Head Groundsman

Job Description: Title  Head Groundsman  Reporting Chief executiveProfile and Qualities The ideal candidate for the position of Head Groundsman should possess the following attributes: Self-motivated Pro-active with a hands-on approach Keen interest in developing the Grounds 5 years of relevant experience within a quality organization Strong manager of both people and situations with well-developed leadership ability Able to accept responsibility and make decisions correctly and quickly Logical and rational mind with great attention to detail Sound knowledge of horticulture as well as turf with irrigation experience Qualified to at least NVQ 3, preferably 4. Alternatively, an HND in a related topic would also be excellent Hold PA1, 2, and 6 spraying licenses Additional qualifications i.e. tractor license, health & safety, chainsaw, first aid certificate is desirable Driving license Computer literateGeneral Responsibilities Daily provision of the best possible playing surface Keeping the workshop and equipment in a good state of repair Ensuring the gardens and lawns around the clubhouse are always presentable Providing a safe working environment Instructing in the correct use of equipment Completing monthly fire equipment checks and annual electrical tests Providing logistic services to the clubhouse as required Maintaining adequate levels of supplies and consumables Encouraging training and personal development among the staff Applying chemical, mechanical, and cultural practices to the grounds as required Laying out and bringing in ground boards, repairing/painting as required, as well as maintaining the grandstands and wooden horseRoutines Grounds Implementing irrigation as required, or as fits into the polo schedule Arranging daily treading in and hole filling from the previous day's play Surveying the grounds daily for signs of drought, disease, insect infestation, nutrient deficiency, and mechanical/physical damage Gang mowing/roller mowing as required Marking out the grounds and providing playing equipment as necessary Ensuring the horse ambulance is present at all games and practices, and making sure that it is closely attended Bringing in all playing equipment at the end of the day's playPony lines Picking up litter from the previous day's play Sweeping the concrete lines or raking the soil lines as required, as well as raking the sand area Ensuring the scaffolding is all securely fastened Testing the hoses and taps daily Mowing and line trim periodicallyGrandstands Checking for litter and any obvious physical/structural damageClubhouse & Pro-shop Irrigating plants & lawns as required Fertilizing according to need Keeping the flowerbeds weed-free Mowing and line trimming the lawns frequently Tending to the flowerpots Keeping the office entrance and patio area swept and weed-freeCar parks Fertilizing, mowing, and line trimming as required, with special attention to be paid around the marquee area (brush off any clippings)Royal boxes Keeping them immaculate, weed-free, mown and watered. Brushing clippings off the fences, washing soil/clippings off the buildings. Tending to window boxes and keeping flowerbeds weed-free, roses to be sprayed, etc.Flemish Farm Mowing the pitch periodically and supplying playing equipment as needed Occasionally line trimming of the paddocks and the area surrounding the building Conducting an annual weed kill After severe rainfall, re-grading of the riding tracks may be needed Checking the ground boards before matches are playedGeneral Emptying trailers at Flemish Farm daily during the season and weekly during the off-season Paying attention to damaged fences and making prompt repairs Mowing road verges and occasional repairWinter Conducting a rigorous over-seeding program at the season's end along with a top-dressing and grounds repair as needed Bringing in and repairing/painting ground boards and other associated furnishings Major equipment overhauls and other winter activities as dictated by the committee, holidays, and educationKey relationships Chief Executive Polo office Contractors & suppliers Flemish Farm Crown Estate (Savill Gardens) Organizations – G.C.S.A.A., B.I.G.G.A., S.T.R.I