FT Assistant Groundskeeper - Soldier Field

Legends Global•Chicago, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Legends Global, a leader in privately managed public assembly facilities, is seeking an Assistant Groundskeeper at Soldier Field. This full-time, exempt position is primarily responsible for maintaining and painting the playing field for Chicago Fire MLS soccer matches and other events, as well as caring for surrounding parkland grass areas. The role involves operating various groundskeeping equipment, managing irrigation, applying treatments, repairing turf, and assisting with field setups and teardowns. Additionally, the Assistant Groundskeeper will supervise field labor staff during specific tasks, handle administrative duties related to sod procurement and budgeting, monitor weather for event planning, and manage snow removal. A key aspect of the role includes painting field markings for diverse events and maintaining an artificial field at the ComEd Recreational Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university with a concentration in Groundskeeping, Landscaping, or related field. Subsequent groundskeeping experience may be supplemented for college degree.
Three to five years related experience and/or training as a groundskeeper or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Working knowledge of the principles of groundskeeping, field maintenance, and equipment
Excellent planning and adaptation skills
Strong written and verbal skills
Demonstrate good problem-solving and communication skills
Supervisory experience required
Professional presentation, appearance and work ethic
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook
Proficient in painting NFL and MLS fields
Ability to obtain Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of employment if not already possessed
Ability to work under limited supervision and to interact with all levels of staff including upper management
Ability to work long and irregular hours that may vary due to functions and may include, daytime, evenings, weekends and holidays

Nice To Haves

Groundskeeper experience in an NFL, MLS, or NCAA environment is preferred
Obtains an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License

Responsibilities

Responsible for the care, maintenance, and upkeep of playing field grass and surrounding parkland areas
Operate vehicles and powered equipment including mowers, tractors, snow blowers, sod cutters, and forklifts
Mow and edge lawns using power mowers or edgers
Water the field and manage the irrigation system
Apply fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides manually or with automatic sprayers/spreaders
Patch and repair playing field grass; add sand as necessary
Assist in tarping the playing field when required
Install and remove field goals, team benches, stairs, and other structures for events
Replace old sod and install new sod as needed
Paint field markings according to event requirements (including football, soccer, concerts, and other major events)
Install and remove terraplas flooring for concerts
Monitor and report issues with the irrigation system
Mark irrigation lines before parkland events
Manage snow production on the sledding hill in winter
Clear snow from sidewalks, gates, and other exterior areas around Soldier Field as required
Maintain the artificial field at ComEd Recreational Center
Direct field labor staff during tarping, terraplas installation/removal, and structural setup/teardown
Research sod farms, coordinate with suppliers, and manage the sod budget with accounting
Collect sod receipts post-installation for accounting reconciliation
Monitor weather via Weather Command and liaise with meteorologists for inclement weather planning
Order bulk supplies such as salt, sand, straw, and fertilizer
Foster and maintain relationships with Fire Groundskeeper and other clients