JOB TITLE: Senior Groundskeeper, Full Time, Hourly
DEPARTMENT: Mesa, Facilities and Grounds
ORGANIZATION: Chicago Cubs
REPORTS TO: Spring Training, Director of Facilities and Fields
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt
BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work in an engaging, collaborative, and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. Are you ready to be part of it?
OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE is a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League. Since 1876, the team has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee sign, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, making it the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
The Senior Groundskeeper position plays a vital role in delivering “best-in-class” fan experiences to guests of Chicago Cubs Spring Training, Arizona Fall League, and other associated facility events at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The ideal candidate will be consistent, energetic, engaging, passionate, personable, proactive, and welcoming. This person will assist in all game day duties that directly relate to Field preparation, landscape maintenance, and/or event preparation.
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
- Work in conjunction with the Assistant Head Groundskeeper to lead and perform any irrigation system troubleshooting/repairs as well as all fertilizer and pest control applications.
- In the absence of the Assistant Head Groundskeeper, the position leads full-time and part-time/seasonal grounds staff including but not limited to, organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
- Assist with training full time, seasonal, and part time staff proper field maintenance techniques.
- Performs routine safety inspections and repair of related facility equipment. Inspections include, but are not limited to: safety screens, nets, cages, benches, and backstops, etc.
- Perform turf grass management including but not limited to mowing, edging, sodding, aerifying, topdressing, and various other cultural practices.
- Perform general baseball field maintenance, including but not limited to: preparing, maintaining, and repairing all field bullpens, batting cage areas, mound and plate repair, field painting, warning track and infield skin maintenance, batting practice set-up and tear down, tarp pulling, etc.
- General equipment repair and maintenance.
- Various other duties as required.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Minimum of 4 years previous experience in all technical areas of baseball field maintenance and/or relevant golf course turfgrass maintenance experience.
- Must have a minimum of one of the following certifications: State of Arizona Office of Pest Management pesticide applicators license, Irrigation Association Certification, or acknowledged equivalent. Alternatively, an Associate’s Degree (or higher) in Turfgrass Management from an accredited University can substitute for one certification however, upon hire, a Pesticide License or Irrigation Certification must be obtained within six months.
- Able to perform the following physical tasks: bend, squat, kneel, twist, climb flights of stairs, walk on uneven ground, walk/run up and down ramps, walk and stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis and lift up to 50lbs on an occasional basis.
- Demonstrated verbal and communication skills.
- Must have the ability to effectively adapt to work environment that is in constant change due to weather.
- Must be able to work nontraditional hours to include evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
- Must have full availability to work January – April to support the Spring Training operation.
- 18 years or older by Date of Hire.
- Valid Arizona driver’s license.
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
- Preference will be given to candidates who have experience and/or certification in irrigation system management in either a sports complex or a golf course setting.
- A passion for The Cubs and its unique history.
- A positive attitude.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a team setting.
- Ability to work under stress.
- Responds well to coaching and feedback.
