Senior Manager, Turf and Grounds

UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION 1 • Atlanta, GA

7d

About The Position

US Soccer is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director of Turf and Grounds to oversee the maintenance and presentation of the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center; a premier training facility located outside of Atlanta, Georgia. This position is responsible for producing and maintaining world-class Bermuda grass and overseeded ryegrass playing surfaces that are safe, consistent, and aesthetically exceptional for professional trainings.

The Assistant Director, Turf of Grounds will play a key role collaborating with the Director of Turf and Grounds in developing and executing agronomic programs, supervising staff, and building strong relationships with coaches, performance staff, and club leadership to ensure the fields consistently meet the highest professional standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or two-year certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum of 4 years of professional turf management experience, preferably in a sports facility or golf course setting
• Strong understanding of turfgrass principles and field maintenance practices
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with technical staff, coaches, and leadership
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop staff
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing elite playing surfaces
• Ability to obtain necessary pesticide and fertilizer certifications
• General knowledge of soccer
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Ability to stand, kneel, and work in a variety of physical positions for extended periods
• Flexibility to work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by training and event schedules

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily care, preparation, and long-term health of grass and artificial training fields.
• Assist the Director of Turf and Grounds to develop and implement an annual agronomic plan, including fertilization, irrigation, mowing, aeration, topdressing, verticutting, grow covers, and sod repair.
• Operate and maintain field-testing equipment to monitor turf and soil conditions, adjusting practices accordingly.
• Execute painting and layout of multiple field markings for soccer and other sport-specific needs.
• Conduct regular inspections of fields, ensuring compliance with professional playing standards.
• Support both large- and small-scale renovation projects, including sod replacement and turf recovery programs.
• Assist with irrigation troubleshooting, repairs, and system monitoring.
• Ensure proper care, storage, and safe operation of all equipment.
• Assist in recruiting and training of new staff.
• Provide direction, supervision, and mentorship to full-time, part-time, and seasonal grounds staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional pride in field presentation.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training as assigned.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with coaches, and performance staff to align field conditions with training objectives.
• Prepare and adjust field schedules around team needs, coordinating with multiple departments to maximize facility use.
• Support training or special event field requirements when scheduled at the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center.
• Assist the Director, Turf and Grounds in developing and executing long-term turf management strategies.
• Implement programs, objectives, and procedures that ensure optimal turf performance across all training fields.
• Track and manage inventory of materials, equipment, and supplies required for turf operations.

Benefits

• U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees