Groundsperson

Groundsperson

Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season, and is under the management of Head Coach Paul Warne. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women’s side competing in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited, in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.

Derby County Football Club has an opportunity to join our Grounds Team at Pride Park Stadium and Moor Farm Training Ground. This role will entail maintaining our excellent facilities on and off the pitch.

The successful applicant will support the maintenance of our state-of-the-art SISGRASS surfaces. As well as the pitch at Pride Park Stadium, the role will involve taking care of the 20 playing surfaces at our Training Ground (plus surrounding landscapes). As well as taking care of the grounds, the successful candidates will be responsible for essential maintenance checks on key machinery.

Responsibilities would include;

• Ensure that all pitches are maintained to a high standard and available when required, within weather and / or groundwater constraints.
• Maintain surrounding areas, such as hedges, borders, car parks, etc. This includes weeding, litter picking, and edging.
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery are properly maintained and secure.
• Assist in the routine maintenance and minor repairs on machinery and hand equipment and report any faults or defects immediately.
• Keep all machinery in a safe and secure position, particularly those pieces of equipment kept on stands, and keep machinery and the storage shed in a clean and safe condition.
• To share best practices with colleagues for all duties and keep up to date with developments, skills and abilities.
• To distribute salt and grit around the Club grounds as required in preparation for severe weather.
• To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required at the instruction of the Safety & Operations Manager or a member of the Senior Executive Team.
• To complete day-to-day operational duties will include physical activities and operating machinery, including but not limited to mowing grass, marking out, moving frost covers, general grounds maintenance, etc., as required

The successful applicant will require the following:

• To have achieved NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Maintenance, or equivalent
• NTPC PA1, PA2, PA6 Spraying Certificates or working towards is desirable
• At least two years experience in a Groundsperson or Greenkeeping role
• Experience, skills and knowledge gained from working on Sports Turf or Fine Turf are essential
• Be working or willing to work towards NVQ Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Sports turf
• Experience working in a sporting environment would be desirable
• Ability to work in a team and under your initiative
• Take pride in your work and achievements
• Excellent communication skills
• A full driving license

Salary is dependent on experience.

The role is full-time, 35 hours per week, based primarily at Moor Farm Training Centre, but travel to Pride Park Stadium is required.

Due to the demands of a professional football environment, working matchdays, evenings and weekends is required.

This role will also be primarily based outside in various weather conditions.

Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress.

Our core values are:

• We are proud of who we are and what we do
• We are positive, inspired and passionate
• We are ambitious and driven
• We are prepared, honest and humble
• We are the heartbeat of our community
• We are the club of opportunity

Derby County employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Two complimentary staff season tickets
• Two complimentary staff away memberships
• 20% discount at DCFC Megastore
• Company Pension with Aviva
• Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
• Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts
• Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
• Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm

Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.

Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.