Summary:

Reporting to the Field Manager, the Assistant Field Manager is responsible for supporting the overall upkeep and maintenance practices for the playing field and surrounding landscape areas.  This position leads the part-time employees as well as interns assigned to the Grounds Department.  The Assistant Field Manager is responsible for supporting the effort to provide a high quality field that complies with the specifications and safety standards set forth by Major League Baseball (MLB), the Washington Nationals, and the Director of Field Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist in recruiting, training, and leading seasonal part-time employees as well as candidates for internship positions. Assist with maintaining a current and accurate record book of all pesticide and fertilizer applications. Assist and direct all day-to-day activities that are required of maintaining a field at a professional level. This will include, but is not limited to:  advanced turf management, accurate pesticide and fertilizer applications, all aspects of managing infield clay/pitching mounds/homeplate areas, along with the warning track. Assist in field preparation for all baseball-related activities and manage all field requests from the players and coaching staffs of the Nationals and visiting teams’. Assist and lead all game day and non-game day field activities. This will include, but is not limited to:  field preparations for MLB games, concerts, corporate sponsorship events, community relations outreach programs, and all other non-baseball scheduled events. Responsible for assisting with maintenance of all equipment in order to extend its useful life and appearance. In the absence of the Director of Field Operations or Field Manager, this position may be trusted to perform all field activities, lead all staff, and effectively communicate with front office employees, coaches, and players. This position is not exempt from any other duty that is required to fulfill the expectations and overall operations of the Field Management Department.

Requirements:

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Turf Management, Plant Science, Soil Science, or Agronomy. Knowledge of essential turf grass cultural practices such as mowing, aerification, topdressing, sodding, seeding, irrigation, and fertility applications. Minimum of 1 year of experience in managing sports turf at a professional (or collegiate) sports venue or successful completion of a sports field management internship. Active member of Sports Field Management Association. Pursuit of obtaining Certified Sports Field Manager certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions

General knowledge of agronomy and regional turfgrass management practices including, but not limited to: pest, disease, and weed management; variety of aerifications; topdressing; sodding; seeding; painting of field logos; field layout and measurements. General knowledge of irrigation repairs and general use of irrigation system. Ability to safely operate a variety of equipment: mowers, tractors, turf cultivating implements, forklifts, skid steers, boom lift, and scissor lifts. General knowledge of small engine use and maintenance. Possess a strong ability to problem solve, proactively plan ahead, and think creatively to support operations. Ability to meet deadlines under pressure and adjust to rapidly changing work schedules and environmental conditions throughout the baseball season. Must exhibit exceptional attention to detail. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Ability to lift, carry, and transport up to 50 pounds. Ability to obtain a District of Columbia issued Pesticide Applicators License and abide by all regulations. Required to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Uphold Core Values: Excellence, Performance, and Accountability.  These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best guest experience in sports.  It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values, so we can constantly move forward in the same direction – Together.

 

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Field management employees perform most of their work outdoors in various weather conditions. The job is not considered dangerous; however, pesticides can be harmful if not handled with caution. Employees working with tools and machines, can be injured if they use them carelessly. Worker will be subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme heat, extreme cold, noise, hazards, and atmospheric conditions (fumes, odor, dust, mists, gases or poor ventilation). While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, run long distances, and climb up and down stairs.  The employee is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit and must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Compensation:

The projected wage rate for this position is $17.50 - $22.58 per hour. Actual pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to the applicant’s: qualifications, skills, expertise, education/training, certifications, and other organization requirements. Starting salaries for new employees are frequently not at the top of the applicable salary range.

Benefits: 

The Nationals offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that presently includes:

Paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays throughout the year and a holiday break in December Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance Short- and long-term disability insurance Flexible spending accounts 401(k) and pension plan Access to complimentary tickets to Nationals home games Employee discounts Free onsite fitness center

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Nationals are dedicated to offering equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.