Head of Grounds

HEAD OF GROUNDS

San Diego FC (San Diego FC) is the newest member of the MLS family. As part of the unique Right to Dream model and the Sycuan Tribe’s deep roots, we are proud to be building a San Diego-centric soccer organization that honours our history and celebrates emerging excellence.

About San Diego Fc

We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity anywhere – specifically though soccer.

Globally, Right to Dream partners with talented young people to give them a nurturing environment to flourish and thrive. We do this through a holistic model of athletic development, where young people grow as human beings and great footballers. RTD’s promise is set out in their Manifestoa set of 8 commitments which will be central to the San Diego FC ethos from the front office to the field, when games start at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025.

This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).

Positon

The Head of Grounds is responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and preparation of all playing surfaces and related facilities used by the club. This includes training fields, and youth academy fields, encompassing both natural grass and artificial turf as well as vendor manager that is responsible for the landscape of the facility. The position ensures all fields meet the highest standards for professional soccer, comply with Major League Soccer (MLS) regulations, prioritize player safety, and support optimal performance for players.

This role requires expertise in turf grass management, knowledge of artificial turf maintenance, and a thorough understanding of MLS field specifications. The Head of Grounds is a key figure in delivering a world-class playing environment.

This role is pivotal in delivering a world-class playing experience for professional athletes and youth academy players. The Head of Grounds ensures the club’s fields meet or exceed MLS standards, providing a safe and professional environment that reflects the club’s commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field preferred.
• GCSAA certification or equivalent credentials highly desirable.
• MLS Groundskeepers Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in sports turf management, with direct involvement in maintaining professional or collegiate fields.
• Proven experience with both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces.
• Familiarity with MLS regulations and standards is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of turfgrass care, artificial turf maintenance, and irrigation systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining groundskeeping equipment.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Field Maintenance and Management

• Oversee the maintenance and preparation of all fields, ensuring compliance with MLS field standards, including:
• Surface QualityMaintain uniformity, proper drainage, and a safe, smooth playing surface.
• Field MarkingsEnsure all markings are accurate, visible, and compliant with league standards.
• Execute best practices for natural grass care, including mowing, aeration, irrigation, fertilization, overseeding, and pest control.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules for artificial turf, including grooming, cleaning, infill replenishment, and monitoring for wear and tear.
  
  

Seasonal and Long-Term Planning

• Develop and implement seasonal field management plans tailored to weather, usage, and field type.
• Plan for renovations, such as resodding, turf replacement, drainage improvements, or irrigation system upgrades.
  
  

Compliance and Collaboration

• Ensure all playing surfaces meet MLS regulations, including surface integrity, uniform ball roll, and bounce characteristics.
• Address MLS-specific requirements, such as artificial turf cooling systems and temperature management.
• Collaborate with MLS field inspectors during compliance checks and audits.
• Work with coaches, medical staff, and club leadership to align field usage and maintenance schedules.
  
  

Staff Leadership and Resource Management

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of groundskeeping staff, assigning tasks and overseeing performance.
• Maintain an inventory of equipment and supplies, ensuring they are well-maintained and replenished.
• Manage the department budget, optimizing resources while maintaining high-quality standards.
  
  

SDFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.