Apprentice Grounds Person

Job Title: Apprentice Grounds Person

Job Grade: RL1 (Executive)

Reports to: Head Grounds Person

Location: Wheatsheaf Lane Stadium/Gtech Community Stadium           
Department: Operations

Sub-department: Operations

Salary: £28,500.           

The Club

Brentford FC is a bit different from 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 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.

Job Overview

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 stadium pitches within the divisions, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this area over the coming seasons.

We are seeking a Grounds Person/Sports Turf Operative to join our dynamic team. This apprenticeship programme has been designed to provide the appropriate candidate with practical hands-on work experience and valuable skills and knowledge within the Grounds department which can equip you with the skills needed to start your career in the field. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the undertaking general maintenance operations associated with football pitch management

• Supporting on devoting and repairing football pitches after games and training sessions

• Setting up, preparing and maintaining pitches to a high standard using tractors and hand mowers

• Setting and marking out of pitches and technical areas

• Applying various fertilisers using a tractor mounted spreader or pedestrian spreader,

• Irrigation management

• 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 stadium pitches

• Ensure facilities and practices meet health and safety requirements and that they comply with legislation

• This job description does not contain all the duties and responsibilities that may arise in this role, and you will need to undertake other duties as instructed or on initiative to ensure a safe operational functioning

• Expectation is to work match days

Knowledge

• Maths and English GCSE OR willing to take functional skills Maths and English* alongside apprenticeship studies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Competent with Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word and Outlook

• Confident working alongside senior management.

• 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

• Ability to travel to and from the stadium, training ground and other Brentford FC ground sites

• Flexible and willing to take on ad-hoc tasks as this role will require weekend working as to accommodate stadium requirements

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

People Skills

• Excellent communication skills, working closely with on field departments

• Comfortable working under pressure to deliver elite level playing surfaces

• Supportive team player who contributes to a positive and inclusive working environment

External Impact

• Contributes to the clubs national and global reputation through the presentation of world class pitches

• Ensures compliance with Premier league FA pitch standards

• Plays a key role in pitch delivery during high pressure schedules and adverse weather conditions

• Represents the club’s commitment to excellence, and innovation in elite sports turf

Decision Making

• Decide when an area is safe to work on (wet ground, frost)

• Adjusting work pace to suit weather, ground conditions, or site usage

• Making basic adjustments to machinery settings (cutting height and speed)

Innovation

• Collaboration with contractors during renovation

• Continued improvement of playing surface presentation

General Club Accountabilities

• To comply with all Club policies, including health and safety, data regulations and other legal, ethical and social requirements

• To build and maintain good working relationships while maintaining a professional image

• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel

• To always maintain a flexible approach to work

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging.

We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field.

To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team.

Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.