An exciting opportunity has become available within the Grounds Maintenance department at Watford Football Club. We are looking to recruit an Assistant Head Grounds person to be based at our Stadium.

You will be responsible for managing and being a part of a forward-thinking team responsible for providing a pitch maintenance Programme and to ensure delivery of an excellent playing surface at Vicarage Road Stadium. 

Employer: Watford Football Club
Job Title: Assistant Head Grounds person – Stadium
Salary/ Hourly rate of pay: Dependent on qualifications and experience
Location: Watford Football Club – Vicarage Road Stadium
Type: Permanent Full Time
Passport/Visa: Must be eligible to work in the UK
Closing Date: 5.00pm Sunday 23rd January 2022 

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

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

• Managing a small team of grounds staff 
• Pitch Maintenance – Procedures including but not limiting, mowing, marking, aeration, fertilising, scarifying, frost cover application, top dressing, seeding and pitch light maneuvering/maintenance. 
• Equipment Maintenance – Goals, ball stopping nets, advertising boards etc 
• Machinery – Greasing, cleaning, setting up, oil checks and visual checks before use 
• Liaising with coaching staff as required 
• 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 3 sports turf or equivalent 
• Minimum of 5-year professional football experience 
• Experience of managing a small team of grounds staff 
• Experience of maintenance of football pitches to professional standard in a stadium environment 
• Hold NPTC a PA1 & PA2 NPTC pesticide certificate. 
• An understanding of the FIFA laws of the game into the Field of Play. 
• Appropriate knowledge of fertiliser application to sand based pitches 
• Experience at working at a Football Club and working to the requirements set by the governing bodies i.e. The FA and PL 
• Experience in maintenance and renovation of a desso football pitch 
• Experience using the SGL pitch lighting rigs 
• Appropriate knowledge of fertiliser application to sand based pitches 
• 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 
• Holds a full UK driving licence or ability to travel various locations due to the demands of the role 
• 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. 

You would ideally have, but not vital: 

• Understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace 
• Hold NPTC a PA6 NPTC pesticide certificate 
• First Aid certificate or prepared to work toward the attainment. 
• A member of the Institute of Groundsmanship 

For the full job profile, please contact HR Admin at [email protected] 

Application process: 

1. Please download and complete an application form located on the Club website under the career section (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 [email protected] or by post to HR Admin, Watford Football Club, Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0ER.