Midland RockHounds, Director of Field Operations

The Midland RockHounds, the Double-A Affiliate of the Athletics and member club of Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), are seeking a responsible, organized, and experienced individual to manage all aspects of the field surface and surrounding grounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark in Midland, TX.
 

This full-time position will directly supervise one (1) full-time Field Operations Assistant and several part-time staff.  The position reports directly to the Assistant General Manager.   
 

Essential Job Functions (including but not limited to): 
 

• Ensure the field surface of the ballpark is always in optimal condition for professional baseball events.
• Administrative and managerial oversight of the grounds department.
• Ability to perform all aspects of field maintenance including, but not limited to, mowing, fertilizing, maintaining and rebuilding pitching mounds and home plate areas, dragging and moisture management of infield skin, field marking, edging, aerating, topdressing, verticutting, replacing sod, and tarping.
• Facilitate additional on-field events such as high school and college baseball games, and non-baseball events.
• Ensure the field is always fully prepared and ready for practice and/or games – free of irregularities in all playing surfaces that may pose safety issues for the players or staff.
• Manage relationships with third party service providers for facility service when needs are outside of the scope of internal resources.
• Lead the ground crew team by developing a daily work plan to support baseball and business operations.
• Operate and maintain all facility and grounds equipment in a safe manner and keep in excellent working condition.  Train and supervise grounds staff to ensure all grounds equipment is being utilized in a safe, productive way.
• Proficient in the use and maintenance of turf equipment, irrigation systems and other equipment used in maintaining baseball field and landscaped areas.
• Ability to properly maintain and calibrate all equipment associated with chemical/fertilizer applications.
• Ensure the grounds area is kept in a clean and organized manner at all times.  This includes all equipment.
• Assist the Field Operations Manager with the supervision, training, and evaluation of part-time and seasonal grounds staff.
• Develop daily, weekly and long-term project assignments.
• Manage materials inventory.
• Develop an annual budget including approving payroll and payroll allocation for keeping equipment and irrigation in good working order.
• Perform routine safety inspections and repair of related facility equipment including, but not limited to: safety screens, mats, tarps, nets, cages, benches, fencing, padding and backstops.
• Communicate clearly and work well with fellow employees, coaches, and players.
• Practice consistent dependability, attendance and adhere to flexible work schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have the following:

• 4+ years of related experience, including experience in professional sports field maintenance.  Management and maintenance experience of collegiate or professional baseball grounds preferred.
•  B.S. Degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management is required.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects to ensure on time and on budget completion with positive results.
• Knowledge of baseball playing field regulations/recommendations and irrigation systems associated with baseball complexes.
• State of Texas Pesticide Applicators License with Turf and Right of Way Certifications or ability to obtain within 2 months of employment.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
•  Ability to work non-standard work hours with variable schedule, to include weekends and holidays.
• Stand; walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear, lift and/move up to 50 pounds, carry 35 pounds and push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of working in variable weather conditions including extreme heat, wind and rain.