Position SummaryThe Head of Grounds is responsible for the operational oversight, maintenance, and long-term health of the natural grass training fields at Bay FC's Performance Center on Treasure Island. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines turf management expertise with day-to-day operational management, ensuring that all playing surfaces consistently meet the highest professional standards for player safety, performance, and aesthetics.
This position will lead a small grounds team, manage vendor and contractor relationships, and serve as the primary subject matter expert on all turf-related matters for the club.
Key Responsibilities- Oversee the daily and seasonal maintenance, safety, and health of three natural grass training fields
- Develop and execute turf management programs tailored to the coastal microclimate and soil conditions of Treasure Island
- Monitor and manage soil health, moisture levels, and grass growth through regular testing and data-driven decision-making
- Maintain field markings, goal mouth areas, and high-traffic zones to professional standards at all times
- Lead the procurement process for grounds maintenance services, including developing RFP documentation, evaluating bids, and recommending contractor selection
- Serve as the primary point of contact and day-to-day manager for all contracted grounds personnel, ensuring work is performed to club standards and contract specifications; develop and maintain standard operating procedures and scope-of-work documentation to guide contractor activities
- Collaborate with head coach, performance staff, and operations team to align field use schedules with maintenance windows and recovery periods
- Proactively communicate field conditions, closures, and readiness to relevant stakeholders
- Develop and manage the annual grounds budget, including labor, materials, equipment, and contracted services
- Ensure all grounds operations comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including pesticide application licensing, water use restrictions, and environmental guidelines specific to Treasure Island and San Francisco Bay Area
- Stay current on NWSL and FIFA field quality standards and ensure surfaces meet or exceed those benchmarks
Qualifications- 8+ years of experience in professional or elite-level sports turf management, with direct responsibility for natural grass playing surfaces; experience at a professional soccer club, stadium or multi-field training facility preferred
- Familiarity with the unique environmental conditions of the San Francisco Bay Area, including coastal fog, salt air, and water use regulations preferred
- Strong working knowledge of turf management principles, including soil science, plant pathology, irrigation management, and integrated pest management
- Proficiency with grounds maintenance equipment operation and preventive maintenance
- Knowledge of NWSL, FIFA, or equivalent governing body field quality standards preferred
- Valid California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Certificate (QAC) for pesticide application
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders and organizational levels
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and around training schedules
CompensationSalary for this role starts at $120,000. Actual starting pay may vary based on a range of factors which can include experience, skills, and scope.
