At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and prepare racing surfaces while supporting grass and non-grass areas.
- Company: Join The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British racing.
- Benefits: Enjoy free race day tickets, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse teams and excellent growth opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Combine your love for sport with hands-on work in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for learning, safety awareness, and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
Based at: Haydock Park. Contract type: Permanent. Hours: 40 hours per week (any 5 from 7).
About the role
Do you want to combine a love of sport with a career? The Jockey Club may be the place for you! We have a new Grounds Person opportunity at our Haydock Park Racecourse.
About The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions and live events nationwide including The Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival & The Derby. Owning & operating 15 courses, millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food, and entertainment on raceday and beyond. As the largest commercial group in British racing, we are guided by our mission to act for the long term good of the sport. Every penny we make goes back into racing to promote excellence within Britain’s second biggest spectator sport. Our people are what makes this possible.
Jockey Club Estates (JCE) is the property and land management arm of The Jockey Club Group, managing a substantial and diverse property portfolio, providing 1st class racehorse training facilities as well as hospitality in the historic Jockey Club Rooms. At The Jockey Club, people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.
The Grounds Person will:
- Support the maintenance, preparation, renovation, and repair of racing surfaces.
- Maintain and assist all grass areas and non-grass areas on site.
- Have full working knowledge of the irrigation equipment including set up and application.
- Assist with the movement of the course running rail.
- Maintain a full range of mowers and horticultural equipment instructing team members on their operation.
About you
- Eager to Grow: You'll bring a passion for learning and a hunger for personal and professional development.
- Safety First Mindset: With a foundational understanding of Health & Safety, you're committed to following regulations and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
- Ready to Drive: You hold a full UK driving licence including tractor driving qualifications, ready to hit the road and take on new challenges.
- Spraying certificates (PA1, PA2a and PA6), a sports turf/horticulture/IOG qualification would be an advantage, but not a necessity.
What we offer in return:
- All colleagues can go along to any of our race day or music events free of charge – along with 3 friends or family with our TeamPass Ticket scheme.
- An award-winning pension scheme provider with a generous employer contribution.
- A healthcare cash back plan enabling you to claim money back on health & wellbeing services.
- 25 days annual leave.
- Access to a suite of Learning & Development training resources from renowned providers.
- A whole host of other benefits including free eyecare vouchers, a ride to work cycle scheme & discounts across varying retailers & services.
If you think you have everything we’re looking for and more, then we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hang around, our closing date for this vacancy is 1st October but we reserve the right to bring this forward if we have many applications. This role may be subject to a criminal record check, standard or enhanced DBS check or BHA Suitability Check. By applying you confirm that you are happy for these checks to be carried out.
Grounds Person employer: The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where customer service excellence is at the forefront. Located at Newmarket Racecourses, employees enjoy unique benefits such as free access to race days and music events, a generous pension scheme, and extensive learning opportunities, all while being part of a diverse team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for racegoers and stakeholders alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Person
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like The Jockey Club often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Person
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what The Jockey Club does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Jockey Club
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with The Jockey Club will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at The Jockey Club.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with The Jockey Club.
