Assistant Head Grounds Person

Job title: Assistant Head Grounds Person

Based at: Cheltenham

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Want to combine a love of sport with a career? Want to be part of the team that delivers the world-famous Cheltenham Festival? The Jockey Club may be the place for you!

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Head Grounds Person to join our team at Cheltenham. This role will assist the Head Grounds Person with the production of the highest quality racing surface through turf management and a motivated Grounds Team and to lead the team in a supervisory capacity when required.

Role summary

To assist the Head Groundsman with all activities on the racecourse and grounds, and to be responsible in his absence. This will include;

• Preparation and maintenance of the racing surface
• Preparation and presentation of the fences, hurdles and cross-country jumps
• Ensure high quality presentation of Prestbury Park grounds at all times
• Liaise with the Head Groundsman to implement the required irrigation programme
• To co-ordinate and supervise The Grounds Team and contractors under the direction of the Head Groundsman to ensure that all necessary works are undertaken to a high standard.
• Ensuring all Course machinery and equipment is maintained in safe working order and records kept of all maintenance; organising repairs and replacements as necessary.
• To liaise with the Clerk of the Course to determine the Racing requirements and needs of the Events and Leisure business.
• To comply at all times with Health & Safety Regulations and safe working practices in accordance with current legislation and as detailed in the Company’s Health & Safety Policy and Procedures

 The successful candidate will;

• have a GMA Sports Turf Level 2 or equivalent qualification
• have previous knowledge of turf care and management
• be a strong team player with good organisational skills
• have previous experience with the use of turf care machinery
• be self-motivated, work well under pressure and have an appetite for progression

 In return for your hard work and commitment we will ensure you are rewarded the following, amongst other things:

 • a supportive, fun but professional working environment

• 25 days annual leave

• competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience

• a skills allowance – earn more as you learn more

• contributory company pension scheme

• an annual salary review

• a substantial ticket allowance so you and family/friends can enjoy days out at our racecourses

• many other Company wide benefits including a healthcare cash back scheme and ride to work

 We will need you to hold a full driving licence for these roles. In addition, at times you will be required to support racing during the evening or at weekends.  This will be with plenty of prior notice and we try to keep it to a minimum so you enjoy a healthy work life balance.

 The successful candidate will be required to work evenings and weekends to support racing when necessary.

 The closing date for applications is 10th August. We reserve the right to bring this date forward should we receive a large volume of applications.

***Please note, we cannot accept applications made directly to Careers in Racing*** However, please mention Careers in Racing in your application. 

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.