At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain elite-level pitches through grass cutting, marking, and fertilising.
- Company: Join the award-winning Aston Villa Football Club's Grounds Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, and amazing staff perks.
- Other info: Work outdoors, embrace teamwork, and grow your career in sports turf management.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic club and contribute to its success.
- Qualifications: NVQ Diploma in Horticulture/Sports Turf or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Department: Facilities and Estates Department - Pitch Grounds Team
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week (including matchdays, evenings and weekends)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Location: Bodymoor Heath Training Ground and Villa Park
Closing Date: Sunday 30 August 2026
The Department
Our award-winning Pitch Grounds Team at both Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath Training Ground are responsible for the care and maintenance of our playing and training pitches ensuring the best possible elite-level playing surfaces for our teams. We pride ourselves on innovation and sustainability and we have proudly achieved the prestigious Premier League Grounds Team of the Season more than once which is a testament to our exceptional standards and dedication.
The Role
We have some exciting opportunities for Grounds Persons to join our teams based at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground and Villa Park. These roles will play a vital role in keeping our day-to-day operations running smoothly, your responsibilities will include:
- Grass cutting
- Marking out
- Re-seeding
- Aerating
- Fertilising
- Verti-cutting in line with the Club’s health and safety guidelines
You will also ensure that internal records are maintained and accurate and that all tools and equipment are maintained and stored safely and securely when not in use. You will also support the wider Estates team as and when required. These will be varied, hands-on and active roles which will include working outside in changing and inclement weather conditions when required.
The Person
You will need to have an NVQ Diploma (Level 2) in Horticulture/Sports Turf or an equivalent qualification. If you have equivalent significant experience of working in a similar grounds role your application will also be considered. You will need to be able to work as part of a dedicated, wider team but also independently when required. We are looking for someone who can use their own initiative to solve problems with the ability to remain calm under pressure and work to deadlines whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail.
Ideally you will have PA1 / PA2 and PA6A spray qualification and experience and have worked on professional football pitches previously. You will need to be available to work flexibly as the Club requires this will include training sessions and matchday working in line with the team schedules, evenings and weekends. Ideally you will hold a UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle but you will definitely need the ability to travel between our Club Sites Bodymoor Heath Training Ground and Villa Park.
Why Join Us?
There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. Our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us!
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Answer the following question: Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the closing date. The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.
Equality Statement
Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.
Safeguarding Statement
Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club.
Grounds Person employer: Aston Villa Football Club
Aston Villa Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on passion for football and community engagement. As a Social Media Lead, you'll benefit from competitive staff perks while being part of a historic club undergoing an exciting transformation, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in the dynamic world of sports media.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Person
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Aston Villa Football Club.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Aston Villa Football Club.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Aston Villa Football Club; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Person
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Aston Villa Football Club.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Person.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Aston Villa Football Club is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Aston Villa Football Club a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa Football Club
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Aston Villa Football Club might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
