Groundsperson – BFC Training Ground

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London. We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead. Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the Club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of the Groundsperson at the BFC Training ground

We require a world-class Grounds person to help us build up our pitch maintenance resources. This is a vital role at Brentford FC – we aim to have the best training ground pitches in the Premier League, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this area over the coming seasons.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of delivering an outstanding playing surface at an elite level. They will have experience of working within an in-house team of ground staff, as well as the ability to manage any use of seasonal/ matchday contracting staff at the Club. We would expect this person to have a deep knowledge of pitch maintenance. This candidate will also have experience of presenting professional training ground pitches.

This person will have very strong communication skills which enable the delivery of world-class training ground pitches. They will have a strong attention to detail, excellent planning and be able to work within a team that presents and maintains world class training ground pitches.

Main Accountabilities

• Maintain the training ground pitches for the 1st team, B team and Academy teams.
• Report to the Head and Deputy Grounds person at the BFC Training ground site.
• Undertake general maintenance operations associated with pitch management.
• Divoting and repairing of training ground pitches after games and any training sessions.
• Undertake general routine maintenance operations including:

• Use of tractors and other various tractor implements
• Use of pedestrian/hand-held machinery
• Setting up, preparing and maintaining of the pitch to a high standard
• Setting and marking out of pitches and technical areas
• Applying various fertilisers using a tractor mounted spreader or pedestrian spreader.
• Irrigation management.
• Ability to assist with mini renovations using relevant equipment and processes.
• Maintain the machinery by performing repairs or contracting maintenance services as needed.
• Track pitch usage and upkeep as well as pitch testing, moisture readings, firmness, cut height and other specifics for preparing weekly reports for Head/ Deputy Head Grounds person and communication for weekly schedules.
• Keep the surrounding grounds properly cared for and landscaped.
• Work within a ground staff team to ensure that the Club can meet its target of delivering a world-class training ground pitches.
• Ensure facilities and practices meet health and safety requirements and that they comply with legislation.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR).
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
• To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy.

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Competent with Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word and Outlook.
• Confident working alongside senior management.
• Experience being a full time Grounds person within sporting environments for at least 24 months or NVQ L2 qualification in sports turf, green keeping and groundsmanship or equivalent.
• A self-starter with a high level of initiative, proactivity, and assertive approach.
• Uses initiative with minimal supervision including in challenging situations.
• Can manage a heavy workload with strict deadlines.
• A clean UK driving license, to allow for travel to and from the stadium and training ground.
• Flexible and willing to take on ad-hoc tasks as this role will require weekend working as to accommodate the training ground requirements.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.