Advanced sports turf technician

This occupation is found in a wide range of relevant venues, for example, athletics, bowls, cricket, croquet, football, golf, hockey, equestrian events, rugby league and union, and tennis. Venues include public parks, sports clubs, schools, first class stadia, training facilities and golf courses including links, parkland and heathland. Facilities can range in size and stature, from international stadia and championship golf courses that host big events through to smaller, local venues serving the local community.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that public and private sports turf surfaces (including hybrid but not fully artificial surfaces) meet the requirements of the sport and are available for use at all levels from amateur to professional sport. They supervise the staff and the maintenance of the sports turf surfaces. They supervise the planning, maintenance, care, and overall appearance of surfaces in line with the employer’s requirements and the requirements of the sport’s governing body. They may lead, support and supervise renovation and associated projects and typically have responsibility for maintaining wider facilities.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. They might typically report to a manager, deputy manager, general manager, owner or a committee. On a daily basis, they may interact with visitors, the general public, players, coaching staff, and other turf management/greenkeeping colleagues. They may also be required to liaise with suppliers and delivery personnel.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring that the playing surfaces are suitably prepared. They will also have responsibilities across the wider facility. They supervise staff or volunteers and are responsible for ensuring that the playing surface is suitably prepared and maintained in line with the rules of the relevant sport. They will have responsibility for the safe use and maintenance of irrigation, drainage, equipment, and machinery used by operatives. They must adhere to relevant health and safety and environmental legislation and present a professional image. They would not necessarily have direct responsibility for budget control but would be expected to advise their manager and colleagues on the correct use and deployment of resources.