Department:                      Field Operations

Supervisor:                         General Manager

Classification:                   Full-time (Exempt)

 The Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, are seeking a candidate to fill the role of Head Groundskeeper at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Head Groundskeeper is responsible for the care of the playing surface, bullpens, surrounding grounds, and outfield berm seating areas of the ballpark. Whataburger Field features a new TifTuf playing surface installed September 2024 accounting for all MiLB Facility Standard requirements. The position will ensure that the playing fields are maintained to playing standards and recognized as best-in-class in MiLB. The position will be responsible for hiring and supervising part-time grounds staff.

Essential Duties/Job Requirements:

 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead all aspects of field maintenance including but not limited to, mowing, fertilizing, and all associated baseball field and stadium landscape maintenance, including pre-game setup and post-game closure of field.
• Ensure playing surface and pitching mounds comply with all MiLB facility standards.
• Hands-on playing field maintenance, related to all groundskeeping tasks, including grading, nailing, floating, raking, rolling, dragging, and proper moisture management of the infield skin, and standard turf management practices, including mowing, watering, fertilizing, rolling, verticutting, grooming, brushing, and aerating the turf.
• Ensure the safe and proper operation of all equipment utilized, maintaining that equipment in safe, clean, operable condition.  Maximize the lifetime of all equipment.
• Lead hiring efforts for part-time groundskeeper positions. Review qualifications, interview, and complete hires in coordination with the General Manager and Human Resources.
• Train and supervise groundskeeper staff.
• Coordinate daily, weekly, and long-term job/project assignments and prioritization. Maintain a daily log of field maintenance activities.
• Effectively manage utilization of field tarps, heater blankets, and other field protection equipment with corresponding weather conditions.
• Ensure all special events are adequately prepared for and supported - e.g., understanding of maintaining grounds during non-baseball events such as concerts. Ability to make recommendations on timing, lead time, financial projections on repair and maintenance, etc.
• Plan and maintain operating and capital expenditure budgets for the year.
• Provide input on annual budget needs and coordinate with the GM and Director of Finance for procurement of grounds maintenance equipment and supplies.
• Manage inventory of grounds Create and manage tracking systems for material usage.
• Oversee all interior and exterior stadium landscape maintenance operations.
• Create and manage and inspect all Departmental and OSHA safety guidelines and regulations.
• Comply with local and Texas Department of Agriculture laws for the application, handling, storing and recordkeeping of pesticides.
• Work with senior management to negotiate contracts and work with vendors companies as necessary for field needs and equipment.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with managers, coaches, umpires, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• 4 years as professional or college baseball head groundskeeper. The preferred candidate will have already proven themselves as a successful leader on the baseball field and in the sports field industry.
• History of successful sod installation work on short timeframes.
• Turf Management degree or Certification from program of 2 years or more preferred.
• Proven experience working with baseball players, coaches, and baseball administrators on a day-to-day basis.
• Major event/revenue event field recovery experience is highly desirable.
• 4 years related experience including a solid knowledge of turf maintenance supplies, materials and equipment and management of a baseball complex/stadium.
• Knowledge in the practices and principles related to turf maintenance.
• 3 years supervisory experience in similar capacity.
• Pesticide license in turf/ornamental landscaping; Turf 3L Pesticide license; Knowledge. of IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills, strong work ethic, desire to excel, and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to direct and lead an assigned seasonal grounds staff.
• Experience with maintaining Tiftuf Bermuda grass is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will oversee the daily operations of Field Operations associates and interns.

Work Environment

Position will work in an office and stadium environment. This position will be expected to work extended hours, in all weather conditions, including rain and heat. This position will be on the field and within the stadium for majority of working days.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee will be required to carry and move packages up to 60 lbs., and up to 75 lbs. at times. Ability to use/operate typical grounds keeping hand tools, implements, and power tools on a regular basis, for long periods of time.

Ability to work in a hands-on position in all weather extremes for extended periods of time.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m. Due to the nature of this position, the position requires hours of work and days that include frequent nights, weekends and holiday. This includes attendance at all home baseball games and special events.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability

Experience

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