Sports Turf Operative

Stevenage FC is looking for a Sports Turf Operative to join our grounds team and play a key role in maintaining playing surfaces at The SPORTA Arena.

Reporting directly to the Club’s COO you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day maintenance and presentation of our pitches, ensuring they meet the highest professional standards throughout the season.

No two days are the same. From preparing pitches for matchdays and training sessions to operating specialist grounds machinery and supporting turf improvement projects, you'll play an important role in delivering surfaces that perform at the very highest level.

Alongside pitch preparation, the role will support the maintenance of surrounding areas and subsidiary sites, including horticultural duties and regular maintenance of the 3G surfaces.

Location / Requirements The SPORTA Arena, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 8RH, with occasional duties at other sites within one mile of the Arena. Matchday, evening, weekend and Bank Holiday working will be required in line with fixture schedules. Time off in lieu will be provided.

Hours  Full time – 40 hours per week. Competitive salary subject to skills and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities         

• Pitch Maintenance
• Carry out daily pitch maintenance including mowing, line marking, edging and presentation work.
• Support seasonal turf management programmes, including aeration, scarification and topdressing.
• Assist with the application of fertilisers and plant protection products.
• Monitor pitch condition and identify any issues relating to wear, disease or drainage.

Equipment & Machinery

• Safely operate a range of professional groundskeeping equipment and machinery.
• Conduct routine equipment checks, maintenance and minor repairs.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Matchday & Training Support
• Assist with pitch preparation for matches, training sessions and Club events.
• Work closely with the Grounds team to deliver consistently high standards across all playing surfaces.
• Support ongoing pitch improvement projects and maintenance programmes.

Health & Safety

• Follow all health and safety procedures and best practice guidance.
• Use PPE appropriately and maintain a safe working environment.
• Report any hazards or concerns promptly.

Continuous Development

• Stay up to date with the latest developments in sports turf management.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute ideas and innovations to improve pitch quality and operational efficiency.

Additional Grounds & Site Responsibilities

• Carry out pedestrian and ride-on mowing, line marking, divoting, pitch repairs and preparation, and maintenance of surrounding areas.
• Liaise with relevant Heads of Department to understand daily site usage requirements and training schedules.
• Support the coordination of site tasks and help ensure daily work is completed on time.
• Clean and maintain machinery and hand tools, and carry out regular maintenance of 3G pitches.
• Carry out all duties in line with Club values, policies and procedures, particularly health and safety, equality and diversity, confidentiality and data protection.

About you 

You're passionate about sports turf, take pride in your work and enjoy seeing the results of your efforts on some of the most visible surfaces in professional sport. You're reliable, hardworking and willing to go the extra mile to help the team deliver excellence every day.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience within sports turf maintenance, groundskeeping or a similar environment.
• Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently when required.
• Desirable
• Qualification or certification in Sports Turf Management, Horticulture or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a professional sports environment.
• Knowledge of both natural and synthetic pitch maintenance.
•  A valid full UK driving licence.
• A Sports Turf Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or a willingness to continue professional development.
• Emergency First Aid certification and an Advanced DBS Disclosure, where required for the role.

Application Instructions Please email a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, together with a copy of your CV, to vacancies@stevenagefc.com.

Alternatively, applications can be posted to:
Stevenage Football Club
The SPORTA Arena
Broadhall Way
Stevenage, Herts
SG2 8RH.

Application Deadline 20 November 2026
Role Start Date ASAP

Equal Opportunities  Stevenage Football Club is committed to being an equal opportunities provider and welcomes applicants from all members of the community. If you require assistance with your application, please contact the Club before submitting it.

SAFEGUARDING & WELFARE

Stevenage FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults involved in activities and events at the Club. As part of the recruitment and selection process, any offer of work involving regulated activity with children will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and barred list check, depending on the level of supervision, frequency and nature of contact with children.

The Club may also conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates as part of its safer recruitment procedures. Appropriate references will be required.