Stadium Groundskeeper - Soldier Field

POSITION:          Stadium Groundskeeper – F/T -Exempt

REPORTS TO:     Head Groundskeeper

Legends Global, the leader in privately managed public assembly facilities, has an excellent and immediate opening for a Stadium Groundskeeper at Soldier Field. The Stadium Groundskeeper’s primary responsibility is to maintain and paint the field for Chicago Fire MLS soccer matches, as well as assisting with other field events, and the surrounding parkland grass areas, by performing personally the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Includes the following - other duties may be assigned:

Maintenance Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the care, maintenance, and upkeep of playing field grass and surrounding parkland areas
• Operate vehicles and powered equipment including mowers, tractors, snow blowers, sod cutters, and forklifts
• Mow and edge lawns using power mowers or edgers
• Water the field and manage the irrigation system
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides manually or with automatic sprayers/spreaders
• Patch and repair playing field grass; add sand as necessary
• Assist in tarping the playing field when required
• Install and remove field goals, team benches, stairs, and other structures for events
• Replace old sod and install new sod as needed
• Paint field markings according to event requirements (including football, soccer, concerts, and other major events)
• Install and remove terraplas flooring for concerts
• Monitor and report issues with the irrigation system
• Mark irrigation lines before parkland events
• Manage snow production on the sledding hill in winter
• Clear snow from sidewalks, gates, and other exterior areas around Soldier Field as required
• Maintain the artificial field at ComEd Recreational Center

Supervision Responsibilities:

Direct field labor staff during tarping, terraplas installation/removal, and structural setup/teardown

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Research sod farms, coordinate with suppliers, and manage the sod budget with accounting
• Collect sod receipts post-installation for accounting reconciliation
• Monitor weather via Weather Command and liaise with meteorologists for inclement weather planning
• Order bulk supplies such as salt, sand, straw, and fertilizer
• Foster and maintain relationships with Fire Groundskeeper and other clients

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university with a concentration in Groundskeeping, Landscaping, or related field. Subsequent groundskeeping experience may be supplemented for college degree.
• Two to four years related experience and/or training as a groundskeeper or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Working knowledge of the principles of groundskeeping, field maintenance, and equipment
• Groundskeeping experience in an NFL, MLS, or NCAA environment is preferred
• Has an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License
• SKILLS REQUIRED
• Position requires ability to: Excellent planning and adaptation skills
• Demonstrate good problem-solving and communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Proficient in painting NFL and MLS fields
• Ability to obtain Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of employment if not already possessed
• Ability to work under limited supervision and to interact with all levels of staff including upper management
• Ability to work long and irregular hours that may vary due to functions and may include, daytime, evenings, weekends and holidays