Employer: Watford Football Club

Job Title: Academy Head Groundsman

Salary/ Hourly rate of pay: £33,000 – £35,000pa

Location: Watford Football Club – Training Ground

Type: Permanent Full Time

Passport/Visa: Must be eligible to work in the UK

Closing Date: Wednesday 13^th August 2025

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An exciting opportunity has become available within the Grounds Maintenance department at Watford Football Club. We are looking to recruit an Academy Head Groundsman to be a part of a forward-thinking team responsible for providing a pitch maintenance Programme, and to ensure delivery of an excellent playing surface at the Clubs Training Ground based in London Colney.

The role will be based on a 40-hour week which will include evening, weekend and Matchday hours and will be based at our Training Ground facilities in London Colney, however there may be a requirement at times to work at our Vicarage Road Stadium.

The successful candidate will work as an integral part of the Training Grounds Maintenance Team to be primarily responsible for carrying out the following duties:           

• Pitch Maintenance – procedures including but not limiting, mowing, marking, aeration, fertilising, scarifying, frost cover application, top dressing, seeding and pitch light maneuvering/maintenance, Irrigation (both manual and automatic)

• Equipment Maintenance – goals, ball stopping nets, advertising boards etc.
• Machinery – greasing, cleaning, setting up, oil checks and visual checks before use

• Liaising with academy coaches and managers
• Ensuring the safety of all playing surfaces
• Adhere to club’s health and safety procedures

The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, be enthusiastic, hardworking, and be flexible to the requirements of the position and the business.

Applicants should ideally live local to Watford or the surrounding areas and be a UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit and ideally have experience working within a similar role.

You must have:

• NVQ Level 2 Sports Turf or equivalent / working towards
• The desire to forge a successful career in the Sportsturf industry
• Previous experience working on soil and sand-based pitches

• Excellent time keeping and organisational skills
• Basic computer skills
• Willing to work unsociable hours which will include evenings and weekends and have a flexible approach to tasks and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

• Understanding of the Clubs commitment to EDI & Safeguarding
• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel various locations due to the demands of the role

You would ideally have, but not vital:

• Spraying Certificates or working towards
• NVQ Level 3 Sports Turf or equivalent / working towards
• Experience managing both soil and sand-based pitches
• Previous experience managing a team of staff

• Experience working within a multi-sports environment

• Experience using SGL pitch lights

For the full job profile, please contact HR Admin at hradmin@watfordfc.com

As a regulated activity provider and as part of the short-listing process we may:

1. Complete reference requests prior to interview.
2. Carry out an online search for publicly available information as part of the due diligence process.
3. If your application is successful be required to obtain a DBS disclosure at the appropriate level (role dependant)

Club Commitment:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding:

We provide a safe and secure environment for all.  We believe Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & adults is everyone responsibility.  Everyone in the organisation has a role to play, to ensure that club policies, procedures and practices in regard to safeguarding are followed.

Application Process:

1. Please download and complete an application form located on the Club website under the career section – www.watfordfc.com/club/careers http://www.watfordfc.com/club/careers

2.Please send completed application form, cover letter detailing why you would be suitable for the role, a copy of all relevant qualifications, right to work in the UK documents and your CV via email to hradmin@watfordfc.com or by post to HR Admin, Watford Football Club Training Ground, Bell Lane, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BZ.

3. If you require information in regards how to complete the application form please refer to ‘Application Form guidance notes’ which can be found on the Club website under the career section www.watfordfc.com/club/careershttp://www.watfordfc.com/club/careers

4. Please note depending on the role and if shortlisted reference request may be taken up prior to interview.