Skilled Groundskeeper
Location: Thorp Arch Training Ground, Wetherby
Contract: Permanent
Hours of Work: 37.5 Hours Per Week (with matchday cover as required)
Application Deadline: 25/11/2026
Apply here: Skilled Groundskeeper - Leeds United – Fill out form
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What You’ll Be Doing
We are seeking a motivated and professional Skilled Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Department at Thorp Arch Training Ground.
Working closely with the Head Groundskeeper and Deputy Groundskeeper, you will play a key role in maintaining and preparing elite training pitches and surrounding facilities to the highest possible standard. This role is vital in ensuring First Team, Academy, and Women's teams have access to outstanding training surfaces throughout the year.
The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day maintenance of natural, hybrid, and artificial playing surfaces while supporting the delivery of a professional, safe, and high-performance environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Pitch & Grounds Maintenance
- Carry out day-to-day grounds maintenance across natural, hybrid, and artificial training pitches.
- Assist with the preparation and presentation of elite training surfaces.
- Support all aspects of pitch preparation including mowing, marking, aeration, divoting, and presentation.
- Undertake maintenance of grassed areas, hedgerows, boundaries, landscaped areas, and surrounding grounds.
- Assist with the upkeep of all training facilities and external areas.
Match & Training Preparation
- Prepare training pitches to the highest possible standards.
- Support matchday pitch preparation and post-match recovery operations.
- Assist with ensuring all pitches are safe, playable, and fit for purpose.
- Support the grounds team in maintaining high standards throughout the football calendar.
Machinery & Equipment
- Operate sports turf maintenance machinery safely and effectively.
- Conduct basic maintenance of machinery, equipment, and goalposts.
- Carry out pre-use and post-use inspections.
- Ensure all equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored appropriately.
- Report defects, faults, or maintenance requirements to management.
Irrigation & Seasonal Maintenance
- Operate and support irrigation systems.
- Assist with frost protection measures and adverse weather procedures.
- Support drainage management and pitch protection strategies.
- Assist with the application and handling of substances in accordance with COSHH regulations.
Health & Safety
- Maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene.
- Follow all Club policies and procedures.
- Ensure safe working practices at all times.
- Support the maintenance of safe environments for players, staff, visitors, and contractors.
Team Support
- Work collaboratively with the wider Grounds team.
- Support colleagues across the training ground as required.
- Assist with deliveries, stock control, and general site operations.
- Maintain a flexible approach to support changing operational requirements.
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What We're Looking For
You'll Have
NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Management or an equivalent qualification.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong organisational skills.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Ability to work independently and use your own initiative.
High attention to detail.
Professional approach and strong work ethic.
Passion for maintaining elite sporting facilities.
Experience
Experience maintaining sports pitches and grounds.
Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
Experience preparing playing surfaces for training and/or matches.
Experience working safely within a grounds maintenance environment.
Experience maintaining high standards of presentation and quality.
Experience working effectively within a team environment.
Desirable
Experience working on professional sports pitches.
PA1, PA2A, and PA6 spraying certificates.
Experience operating irrigation systems.
Experience using frost protection systems.
Experience within football, rugby, cricket, golf, or other professional sports environments.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Why Should You Join Leeds United?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits perks.
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If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.
📅 Deadline: 25/11/2026
📍 Apply here: Skilled Groundskeeper - Leeds United – Fill out form
Club Statements
General Statement
All employees and workers of the Club must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regards to all policies and procedures and in particular health and safety, confidentiality and data protection.
Safeguarding Statement
Leeds United is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups. Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Basic DBS Check and references. www.leedsunited.com/en/club/safeguarding
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Leeds United is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. The club does not tolerate any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment. Your behaviour must align to the principles of equality as outlined in the Clubs equality policy which can be found at www.leedsunited.com/en/equality-and-diversity
Health & Safety Statement
The Club is committed to effective management of the Health and Safety risks to all employees, visitors, supporters, and any others associated with the Club. As part of this commitment all staff are expected to conduct your business in a proactive way that prevents injury and ill health to those who may be affected by your activities. All staff are expected to undertake regular Health & Safety related training and to ensure the environments in which they work remain safe at all times, with the mindset that Health & Safety is everybody’s responsibility.
