At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain the racecourse and ensure high-quality grounds for racing and events.
- Company: Join Arena Racing Company, the UK's largest horse racing group with diverse venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy annual passes, discounted food, cycle schemes, and increasing holiday allowance.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth and career progression in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and be part of an iconic sporting venue.
- Qualifications: Passion for outdoor work and ability to operate grounds maintenance machinery.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 26509 £ per year.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Grounds Person to join our team at Brighton Racecourse.
About us
Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UK's largest horse racing group. We have 21 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work! Our success is a team effort, which is why we offer great opportunities for growth, development and career progression. After all, it's our employees who enable us to offer first-class service and create an electric atmosphere, all within an industry we love.
What is ARC?
- We embrace diversity
- We develop our people
- We care for our visitors
- We think about our impact
- We are proud of our sport
Work perks of being a Grounds Person
- Annual passes to attend any of our 21 venues
- Discounted food and ARC days out
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Holiday allowance increasing with length of service, up to 28 days
- Company life assurance scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme to reward your hard work
- Support with study through our study assistance schemes
- And so much more
About the role
As a Grounds Person at Brighton Racecourse, you will play a key role in maintaining the racecourse to the highest standards throughout the year. You will help deliver a safe, high-quality racing surface, ensure the grounds and external areas are presented to an exceptional standard, and support the smooth operation of racedays and a wide range of non-racing events. Working as part of a dedicated team, you will assist with the maintenance of the estate, buildings and equipment while contributing to the successful delivery of one of the South Coast's most iconic sporting and events venues.
Key responsibilities
This is a varied and rewarding role suited to a motivated individual who enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in delivering high standards. While you will work closely with the Grounds Team, you will also be expected to use your own initiative and work independently when required. Under the direction of the Head Grounds Person & Clerk of the Course, you will:
- Assist in delivering the annual maintenance programme for the racing surface and surrounding grounds.
- Prepare and reinstate the racecourse before, during and after racedays, ensuring the course meets the required standards for racing.
- Operate tractors, grounds maintenance machinery and all-weather track equipment safely and effectively.
- Maintain lawns, gardens, the parade ring and landscaped areas to an excellent standard, with particular attention to raceday and event presentation.
- Carry out general maintenance of external areas including car parks, access roads, tracks, hard standings and horsebox parking areas.
- Ensure all external areas are kept tidy and free from weeds, litter and fallen leaves.
- Safely use a variety of horticultural and agricultural equipment, machinery, vehicles and approved chemicals as part of your daily duties.
- Assist with the general maintenance of estate buildings, fencing and infrastructure where required.
- Support the operational setup and breakdown of racedays and non-racing events held at the racecourse.
- Work closely with the grounds team, racecourse management, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and other officials to ensure racing is delivered safely and successfully.
- Follow all Company Health & Safety policies, procedures and safe working practices at all times.
Due to the nature of the role, you will regularly be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Person in London
✨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 Brighton Racecourse.
✨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 Brighton Racecourse.
✨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 Brighton Racecourse; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Person in London
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 Brighton Racecourse.
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 Brighton Racecourse 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 Brighton Racecourse a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton Racecourse
✨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 Brighton Racecourse might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
