Main Duties of a Head Grounds Person

• Lead the preparation, maintenance, and renovation of all racing surfaces to ensure safe and consistent racing conditions.
• Plan and oversee rail movements, track layout, and racecourse setup in line with fixture requirements.
• Manage and maintain all racecourse grounds, including turf, horticultural areas, and non-grass surfaces.
• Develop and implement turf management programmes, such as fertilisation, aeration, overseeding, drainage, etc.
• Oversee and manage irrigation systems (e.g., pumps, ring mains, Briggs and towline systems), ensuring effective water application and resource efficiency.
• Ensure safe and compliant application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers.
• Oversee the construction, maintenance, and quality control of National Hunt fences and hurdles.
• Plan and coordinate staffing requirements across raceday and non-raceday operations.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and servicing of all machinery and equipment.
• Train, mentor, and develop Grounds team members to ensure high performance and skill development.
• Ensure all team members comply with PPE requirements, manual handling procedures, and safe systems of work.
• Work collaboratively with Clerk of the Course and other stakeholders to deliver raceday readiness.

What the role requires

• Advanced knowledge of racecourse management and racing surface preparation.
• Expertise in turf husbandry, agronomy, drainage, and irrigation management.
• Ability to accurately assess, monitor, and report on ground conditions.
• Competence in the operation and maintenance of turf and agricultural machinery.
• Expertise in the safe application of pesticides and fertilisers, including boom spraying.
• Strong leadership, people management, and team development skills.
• Strong understanding of Health and Safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of sustainable grounds management practices.
• Significant experience in turf management, racecourse grounds maintenance, or a related land-based industry.
• Recognised qualification in turf management (e.g. GMA Level 3, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent).
• PA1, PA2 and PA6 spraying qualifications.
• Full UK driving licence, including tractor driving.
• Proven experience managing teams and grounds operations.

Desirable skills

• Additional qualifications in irrigation, drainage, or agronomy.
• LANTRA or equivalent tractor and machinery certification.
• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience working across multiple racecourses or large estates.

Working conditions

• Outdoor, physically demanding role in all weather conditions.
• Raceday and non-raceday duties, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Requirement to respond to changing weather and track conditions.

Benefits

• Opportunities for continued professional development and specialist training.
• Career progression within senior Grounds and Estates management.