Director - Grounds

This position has been filled - Job#: 453377833

Job Summary

Overview:

This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the overall care of the playing field, ensuring the playing surface meets the highest MLB industry standard for quality and safety. In addition, this position will be responsible for managing all the employees that make up the grounds crew.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned.
• Oversees the recruitment, supervision and scheduling of managers, leads, seasonal workers and interns
• Responsible for the generation and implementation of annual departmental budget, evaluating and proposing Grounds advancements through operational and capital expenditures
• Ensure the Field management team is knowledgeable and executes the necessary tasks required on a daily basis; including mowing, edging, sodding, infield maintenance, moisture management and mound repair
• Create the turf management program including fertilization, growth regulation, pesticide application, grow light usage and aeration, allowing for a quality surface throughout the season as well as understanding the shade issues as a result of the retractable roof environment
• Coordinate the field event calendar, communicating and meeting the needs of all internal departments, corporate partners, large revenue generating events, and all other requests, while providing a high quality playing surface throughout the season
• Continually evaluate and interpret weather forecasts, calling for properly timed roof moves throughout the entire year, while considering the playing surface and public safety
• Oversees the completion of game day responsibilities, adhering to the strict team schedule and game day events, including set-up and distribution of promotional items
• Develop a constructive working relationship with Baseball Operations, discussing and resolving challenges facing the playing surface of Miller Park, providing a high industry standard playing surface at all times
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors, sustaining existing and establishing new relationships, allowing for the trade of equipment, goods, and services to offset operating costs

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training and supervision of  Grounds management staff, and indirectly supervising 45 employees on the Field.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Team’s policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing
• Must have prior pesticide certifications and be able to obtain a Wisconsin pesticide certification
• Experience in field management at a professional baseball stadium preferred

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in turfgrass management or related field, and five to seven years of MLB experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Other skills needed