Exciting Career Opportunity: Senior/Skilled Groundstaff at Watford Football Club

Watford Football Club is thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity within our Grounds Maintenance Department. We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior/Skilled Groundstaff member to join our innovative and dynamic team. This role is pivotal in delivering exceptional pitch maintenance programs and ensuring the highest quality playing surfaces at our state-of-the-art training ground located in London Colney. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining the pitches to a professional standard, ensuring they meet the expectations of players, coaching staff, and the club as a whole.

This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour workweek, with the expectation of flexibility to accommodate evening, weekend, and matchday hours. Additionally, there may be occasional requirements to work at Vicarage Road Stadium, the home of Watford FC. The role demands a proactive, enthusiastic, and hardworking individual who thrives in a team environment and is adaptable to the evolving needs of the club.

Role and Responsibilities

As a Senior/Skilled Groundstaff member, you will be an integral part of the training ground’s maintenance team, working collaboratively to ensure the pitches and facilities are maintained to the highest standards. Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Pitch Maintenance

You will be responsible for carrying out a comprehensive range of pitch maintenance tasks to ensure the playing surfaces are safe, playable, and visually impressive. These tasks include:

• Mowing: Regularly cutting the grass to maintain optimal pitch conditions, ensuring the correct height and consistency for professional play.
• Marking: Accurately marking out the pitches to meet regulatory standards for training and matches.
• Aeration: Implementing aeration techniques to improve soil health and promote strong grass growth.
• Fertilising: Applying fertilizers to ensure the turf remains healthy and resilient.
• Scarifying: Removing thatch and organic matter to maintain pitch quality.
• Frost Cover Application: Protecting pitches during adverse weather conditions to ensure playability.
• Top Dressing: Applying sand or other materials to improve surface quality and drainage.
• Seeding: Overseeding or reseeding areas to promote uniform grass coverage.
• Pitch Light Maneuvering/Maintenance: Operating and maintaining pitch lighting systems to support grass growth during low-light conditions.

Equipment Maintenance

In addition to pitch maintenance, you will be responsible for ensuring that all associated equipment is kept in excellent working condition. This includes:

• Maintaining and inspecting goals, ball-stopping nets, and advertising boards to ensure they are safe and functional.
• Conducting routine checks and maintenance on equipment to prevent downtime or safety issues.

Machinery Maintenance

You will work with a range of grounds maintenance machinery, ensuring they are properly maintained and ready for use. Responsibilities include:

• Greasing and Cleaning: Regularly lubricating and cleaning machinery to ensure optimal performance.
• Setup and Adjustments: Preparing machinery for specific tasks and ensuring it is correctly configured.
• Oil Checks and Visual Inspections: Performing routine checks to identify and address potential issues before use.

Collaboration and Safety

As part of the grounds maintenance team, you will:

• Liaise with Coaching Staff: Work closely with the coaching team to understand their requirements and ensure the pitches meet their expectations for training and matches.
• Ensure Safety of Playing Surfaces: Regularly inspect and maintain pitches to ensure they are safe for use, minimizing the risk of injury to players.
• Adhere to Health and Safety Procedures: Follow the club’s health and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and others.

Physical Requirements

The role involves manual lifting, with the expectation of handling loads exceeding 25kg. Candidates should be physically capable of performing these tasks safely and efficiently.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be passionate about grounds maintenance, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. You should thrive in a team-oriented environment, be enthusiastic about your work, and demonstrate flexibility to meet the demands of the role and the club. Key attributes include:

• A proactive and positive attitude.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent time management.
• The ability to adapt to a varied schedule, including unsociable hours such as evenings and weekends.
• A commitment to the club’s values, including equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and safeguarding.

Location and Eligibility

Applicants should ideally reside in or near London Colney or the surrounding areas to facilitate easy access to the training ground. Candidates must be UK residents or non-UK residents with a valid UK work permit. A full UK driving license is required, or the ability to travel to various locations as needed for the role.

Required Qualifications and Skills

To be considered for this role, candidates must possess:

• NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf or Equivalent: A recognized qualification in sports turf management or a related field.
• Spraying Certificates (or Working Towards): Certification or progress toward certification in the safe application of pesticides or fertilizers.
• People Management Experience: Proven ability to lead or supervise a team effectively.
• Excellent Timekeeping and Organizational Skills: The ability to manage tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Flexible Approach to Work: Willingness to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Understanding of EDI and Safeguarding: Familiarity with the club’s commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding principles.
• Full UK Driving License or Travel Capability: The ability to travel to the training ground and other locations as required.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

While not essential, the following qualifications and experiences would be advantageous:

• NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf or Equivalent: A higher-level qualification in sports turf management.
• Experience with Winter Sports Surfaces: Knowledge of maintaining pitches used for winter sports.
• Pitch Renovation Experience: Practical experience in undertaking pitch renovation projects.
• Experience Using SGL Pitch Lights: Familiarity with operating and maintaining specialized pitch lighting systems.

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please follow the steps outlined below:

1. Complete the Application Form: Download the application form from the Careers section of the Watford Football Club website.
2. Submit Application Materials: Prepare and submit the following documents:
   • Completed application form.
   • A cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role.
   • Copies of all relevant qualifications.
   • Documentation confirming your right to work in the UK.
   • Your current CV.
   • Send these materials via email to hradmin@watfordfc.com or by post to: HR Admin, Watford Football Club Training Ground, Bell Lane, London Colney, Hertfordshire, AL2 1BZ.
3. Refer to Guidance Notes: For assistance with completing the application form, consult the “Application Form Guidance Notes” available in the Careers section of the club website.
4. Reference Requests: Please note that, depending on the role, references may be requested prior to the interview stage for shortlisted candidates.

Why Join Watford Football Club?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a prestigious football club with a rich history and a commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch. As a Senior/Skilled Groundstaff member, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our training facilities are among the best in the industry, supporting the success of our players and coaching staff. You will work in a collaborative and supportive environment, surrounded by passionate professionals who share your dedication to maintaining world-class standards.

If you are enthusiastic, hardworking, and ready to contribute to the success of Watford Football Club, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us maintain the pitches that are the foundation of our club’s success.