York Racecourse, multi-award winning and one of the leading racecourses in global racing, stages some of the best racing action in the world over a 18-raceday season from May to October. In addition to this, York Racecourse hosts a large number of other high profile events including conferences, trade fairs, banquets and exhibitions. We seek an Assistant Grounds Manager with a passion for turf husbandry and exceptional team leadership skills to join our award-winning team. This is a rare opportunity for an enthusiastic grounds professional who will relish the challenge of delivering a world class racing surface, lawns and estate. Reporting into the Grounds Manager, you will help manage and lead a small, hard-working and dedicated Grounds team. The role would suit a sports turf professional with a horseracing, sports or turf industries background who is seeking to develop their career in sports turf by learning from one of the best Grounds Managers in the UK. Working alongside the Grounds Manager and deputising for them when required, responsibilities will include: Preparing, presenting, maintaining and repairing the racing surface to best effect delivering the best ground possible. Leading in the maintenance of the lawns, parade rings, grass areas, hedges and trees and wider estate ensuring the best husbandry in presentation, plant health, biodiversity and sustainability. Leading in the maintenance, servicing and effective and consistent delivery of our state-of-the-art irrigation system working alongside our world class irrigation supplier. Working with the Track Foreman and Workshop Foreman on maintenance, servicing and replacement of our machinery and specialist turf equipment fleet, ensuring best use and deployment of our equipment. Selecting, acquiring and applying the best in seed, fertiliser, biostimulants and associated products to help us retain our status as a leader in sports turf husbandry. Leading, managing and supporting in developing the skills of our grounds team and working within the Leadership Team at York Racecourse to continue to innovate and develop this world class venue. The ideal candidate will have: Experience in sport turf husbandry with either experience or an appetite to progress their career into turf management and leadership. Exceptional specialist skills in agronomy, irrigation, specialist turf machinery and sprayers and confidence in all aspects of sports turf management. A naturally welcoming, friendly and efficient manner, with the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to act as an ambassador for York Racecourse and build relationships at all levels. Confidence in a varied and, at times, time pressured role, able to prioritise, use judgement and discretion. Enthusiasm to learn and being prepared to ‘jump in’ and undertake a wide range of turf, managerial and project related tasks and to help others as part of a small, busy team. Passion for sports turf with a knowledge of the racing world is a distinct advantage. In return, we offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits including pension, holiday and time off in lieu, life cover (DIS) and racecourse-wide performance bonus scheme. To apply please email your CV and covering letter, including remuneration details to Hugh Nickerson at Conundrum Consulting Ltd Email search@conundrum.co.uk Strictly no agencies please, all direct and third party enquiries will be forwarded to Conundrum.
