Skilled Grounds Operative

Location: Staplewood Training Ground, Southampton 

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours 

Contract Type: Permanent 

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List 

What is the role? 

We are seeking a Skilled Grounds Operative to join our team and maintain our football grounds to the highest standards. You will work alongside a dedicated grounds team bringing expertise, a strong work ethic and a passion for high-quality grounds management. 

This role is predominantly based at Staplewood Training Ground located in Marchwood, but you may be asked to work at St Mary’s Stadium and other sites maintained by the club on occasions.  

What will you be doing? 

You’ll be working closely with the Head Groundsperson and will be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of all playing surfaces, facilities and surrounds following daily, weekly and monthly maintenance schedules. 

The role will involve setting up pitch areas, ensuring all grounds equipment is properly maintained and safely handle and dispose of pesticides and chemicals. Your responsibilities will include conducting risk assessments, keeping workspaces clean and secure and using resources efficiently. You’ll collaborate with managers and colleagues and supervise part-time staff, ensuring they are fully briefed and maintaining high standards of safety and quality. 

What are we looking for? 

You have previous experience working in a similar role, a good understanding of the importance of Health & Safety precautions and handling maintenance tools, and able to have a flexible approach to working schedules due to the demands of the football industry. You are a great team player and can also work on your own initiative and you take pride in producing top quality work. 

Essential Experience: 

• Knowledge and experience of using a wide range of pitch maintenance equipment (cylinder mowers, rotary mowers, tractors and implements, lighting rigs, pitch tools, white line markers, etc). 

Essential Qualifications: 

• Qualified to NVQ level 2 or above in green keeping and groundsmanship or equivalent. 

Essential Skills: 

• Have a detailed approach to work along with good communication skills when dealing with all internal staff and external guests. 

• To be able to work not only as part of a team, but also to show the capabilities to work using your own initiative, with the ability to demonstrate a good understanding of the latest health and safety legislation at all times. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of different turf and artificial surfaces. 

• Understand simple plant nutrition. 

How this benefits you… 

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; 

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game 

• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health). 

• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise. 

• 25 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year. 

• Contributory Pension Scheme. 

• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family. 

• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career. 

• Free onsite parking. 

• Cycle to Work Scheme. 

• Collaborative & inclusive working culture. 

How can I apply? 

Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV. 

The closing date for applications is 8 May 2026

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.