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Job Summary
The Maryland SoccerPlex is currently seeking an experienced, positive, and innovative self- starter to join the Grounds and Environmental Management (GEM) team as a Director of Grounds and Environmental Management. This individual should be motivated, open-minded and environmentally conscience. As Director, this person will be responsible for all planning, scheduling, and personnel management for the GEM team. As such, their main focus should be the creation and maintenance of high quality, multiuse natural grass playing surfaces. The Director will also be responsible for maintaining cohesive working relationships with not only SoccerPlex administrative staff, but County Parks maintenance and administrative staff as well. Long-term, the Director is expected to continue field renovations which lead to natural surfaces that are playable and consistent even in extreme conditions. The Maryland SoccerPlex – a 160-acre Park with 24 full-size fields (13 Bermudagrass, 8 Cool season, 3 Artificial) – is located in Boyds, MD (northwest of Washington, DC).

Responsibilities
Management:

• Create separate, annual agronomic plans for the SoccerPlex’s 8 cool season fields, 13 warm season fields, 3 synthetic fields, as well as 80 acres of common areas surrounding playing surfaces.
  • Agronomic plan must comply with all Maryland state fertilizer and pesticide laws,
  • Integrate progressive/innovative strategies to maintain superior quality, high use natural grass surfaces,
• Manage and maintain annual operating budget including all purchasing,
• Propose annual budget adjustments as needed,
• Research and procure fixed assets on an annual basis, including but not limited to equipment, field construction/improvements, and landscaping construction/improvements,
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers,
• Development and execution of environmental safety plan,
• Coordinate with SoccerPlex Director of Operations on field usage and scheduling throughout the year,
• Coordinate/collaborate with Montgomery County maintenance staff weekly to ensure compliance with county regulations as well as maintain this unique private/public partnership,
• Plan, execute, and manage field improvement projects such as drainage and irrigation installation/repair, reseeding/sodding/sprigging of fields, etc.

Operations:

• Act as general contractor on all field related construction projects,
• Continue progressively improving SoccerPlex natural playing surfaces via drainage installation, improved grass varieties, innovative cultural practices, etc.,
• Oversee daily operations and coordinate with Manager and Assistants to achieve agronomic goals,
• Operate turf maintenance equipment including various mowers, tractors, utility carts and other equipment essential to turf management operations,
• Oversee equipment maintenance plan for large fleet of John Deere, Redexim, and other turf equipment
• Train grounds staff in all aforementioned Operations skills
• Create unique strategies and implement new methods in order to sustain the highest quality fields possible
• Other duties as assigned.

Staff Management:

• Responsible for all hiring and employee scheduling for Grounds Department,
• Develop and execute training and professional development of all Grounds Department Personnel
• Prepare daily work plans for staff
• Develop the daily / weekly / monthly staff schedule, working around events & / or field use
• Ensure compliance with all licensing and certifications required by Federal, State, and Local authorities related to grounds crew personnel,
• Manage full-time, part-time and seasonal grounds staff on various projects and during events,
• Coordinate with SoccerPlex Facilities and Operations staff during league, tournaments, and special events,
• Ensure quality control and safety of subordinate work crews.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• 4-year degree in turf/landscape management or similar degree
• 5+ years staff management experience
• 5+ years of turf management experience
• Working knowledge of various turf management equipment
• Working knowledge of best practices for sports turf management
• Has or can obtain within a reasonable timeframe a Maryland Pesticide and Fertilizer License

Preferred Skills and Qualities:

• Positive attitude and personality
• Attention to detail
• Basic machinery maintenance
• Prior experience operating vehicles with manual transmissions
• Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred,
• Prior experience with operation of skid steers, excavator, and other construction type equipment a plus
• Construction Project Management Experience

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds,
• Ability to work weekends, nights and irregular hours as needed,
• Ability to work in varying climates including extreme cold/heat, wind, rain, and snow,
• Ability to work in varying physical positions including standing, kneeling, seated, at height and the use of assistance equipment such ladders, lifts, and motor vehicles,
• Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record,
• Reliable transportation,
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of COVID 19 vaccination.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Salary: $100,000-$120,000 (based on experience, vision, strategic approach)
• Benefits including, health, dental, and vision coverage, 403b Retirement Plan, paid vacation available