JOB SUMMARY: The Summer Groundskeeper, Phillies Urban Youth Academy performs various responsibilities within the field operations department at the Phillies Urban Youth Academy at FDR Park. This includes daily and ongoing field maintenance, as well as assisting the UYA Grounds Manager with basic irrigation system and turfgrass maintenance, basic equipment and shop maintenance, and inventory control.
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Perform daily and yearly maintenance of pitching mounds, home plate areas, and infield surfaces.
- Assist in daily set-up and break-down of fields based on pre-planned events.
- Assist with daily maintenance of all turfgrass areas, including mowing, edge build-up control, aeration processes, hand watering, and overseeding.
- Operate various grounds maintenance equipment, including push and riding mowers, utility vehicles, tractors and implements, skid steer loaders, infield grooming units, string line trimmers, and backpack blowers.
- Assist with installation and removal of all field tarps.
- Perform basic trash pick-up and cleaning of all field and shop areas.
- Assist in daily and ongoing maintenance of all Grounds equipment, and basic record-keeping associated with these tasks.
- Assist with and/or perform with limited supervision various cultural practices related to on-going maintenance of all turfgrass areas (aeration, irrigation, field sweeping, topdressing, sod removal, sod installation, and fertilization).
- Assist in scouting the fields for turfgrass disease infestation, pests, and damage.
- Assist with irrigation system maintenance troubleshooting and repair.
- Assist in proper handling, loading, and cleaning of all pesticides and pesticide application equipment in a safe manner following all applicable Federal and State laws.
- Assist in maintaining an accurate accounting of all department inventory.
- Assist in maintaining updated SDS records.
- Help maintain and promote a positive and creative work atmosphere for all department employees.
- All other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: - High school diploma or equivalent.
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work unsupervised.
- Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.
- A working understanding of proper equipment maintenance.
- Must be available to work occasional extended hours, weekends, and holidays, especially during tournaments and special events.
PREFERRED SKILLS: - Current enrollment or recent graduate from a turfgrass science program or related field, OR, equivalent turf maintenance work experience.
- Previous experience working in Major League or Minor League baseball grounds operations.
- Experience working with automated irrigation systems and small engines.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: - Must be physically capable of safely operating medium to heavy machinery, including, but not limited to, utility vehicles, skid steer loaders, tractors, and lawnmowers.
- Must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, sit, squat, bend over, and walk for prolonged periods of time.
- Must be able to lift, push and/or pull up to 50 pounds of weight frequently throughout the assigned workday.
- Ability to adapt to and work in various outdoor weather conditions.
- Ability to work with plant materials, soils or pesticides/chemicals commonly used in landscaping operations.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.