Grounds Supervisor/Manager

The Pirates Why

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a storied franchise in Major League Baseball who are reinventing themselves on every level. Boldly and relentlessly pursuing excellence by:

• purposefully developing a player and people-centered culture;
• deeply connecting with our fans, partners, and colleagues;
• passionately creating lifetime memories for generations of families and friends; and
• meaningfully impacting our communities and the game of baseball.

At the Pirates, we believe in the power of a diverse workforce and strive to create an inclusive culture centered in Passion, Innovation, Respect, Accountability, Teamwork, Empathy, and Service.

Job Summary

The Manager, Field Operations works closely with the Director, Field Operations, and is responsible for identifying field maintenance and equipment problems, in addition to managing the Field Supervisors and overseeing the scheduling and management of Game Day Staff and Seasonal Supplemental Staff.  This position will oversee all aspects of the Pirates’ Field Operations in the absence of the Director, Field Operations.

Responsibilities

Primary:

1. Day-to-day management of Field Supervisors, including but not limited to, scheduling, mentoring and training, and providing input on performance management of incumbents in these roles.
2. Assist the Field Supervisors with the recruiting, hiring, management, and scheduling of Game Day Staff and Seasonal Supplemental Staff.
3. Work closely with and assist the Director, Field Operations on all field and equipment maintenance activities.
4. Provide field preparation for non-baseball-related events, including but not limited to run the bases, concerts and corporate events, batting practice and corporate softball.
5. Create and maintain the field and equipment maintenance schedule.
6. Identification and reporting of all field and equipment maintenance problems including fertilizers and pesticides; irrigation; infield surfaces; packing clays; water management; tarping techniques; and equipment operation.
7. Maintain and ensure that the playing field is up to the professional level of the Pittsburgh Pirates and MLB standards.
8. Ability to work special events independently and make decisions that affect field conditions (i.e., ability to oversee corporate partner events on the field and provide independent guidance on what is permitted in the moment, etc.).
9. Speak to outside groups about daily operations at the ballpark.
10. Assume the responsibilities of the Director, Field Operations in his absence.
11. All other duties as assigned by the Director, Field Operations.

Secondary:

1. Assist with department planning and budgeting as requested.
2. Coordinate with other Pirates’ departments as directed by the Director, Field Operations.
3. Assist with field operations at Pirate City or other Pirates’ owned locations as requested.
4. Coordinate and perform snow removal from around the ballpark perimeter during the off season.

Qualifications

Required:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Science, or equivalent experience and knowledge of environmental turfgrass management practices including pest, disease, weed management and an understanding of soil chemistry.
2. Minimum of 2 years’ experience with natural turf.
3. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role.
4. Must obtain a PA commercial pesticide and fertilizer applications license within one year of hire.
5. Prior professional baseball field management experience.
6. Prior experience in field management for non-baseball events.

Desired:

1. Expertise in the operation, maintenance and sharpening of reel mowers.
2. Cool season turfgrass experience.
3. Certification as a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM).
4. Experience with equipment maintenance.
5. Experience with managing inventory.
6. Experience with time management and scheduling systems.
7. Regular participation in continuing education, including but not limited to, field days, workshops, and seminars.
8. Microsoft Office Suite Applications (Word, Outlook, Excel).

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.