What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Field Operations position at San Jose Earthquakes?
About the San Jose Earthquakes:
The San Jose Earthquakes have a mission to establish our home as the epicenter of American soccer by uniting Northern California with big dreams, big hustle, and big impact. We are seeking a Manager, Field Operations to join our team and support the Director, Field Operations in maintaining our playing surface, managing part-time grounds staff, and ensuring smooth execution of on-field events.
About the Position:
The San Jose Earthquakes are seeking a driven and skilled individual to join our team as the Manager, Field Operations. In this role, you will support the Director, Field Operations in managing, planning, and executing the agronomic program that keeps our playing surface at the highest standard. As Manager, Field Operations, you will oversee the daily maintenance of the field to ensure it meets MLS requirements, while also scheduling, training, and developing our part-time groundskeeping staff. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in precision, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in the planning and execution of all on-field events, including team practices, company outings, and concerts.
Who You Are:
We are looking for people that want to hustle big.
- Hustle: Having the desire to authentically connect people, willing to always show up for our fans, and having an innate pride in their work.
- Big: Devoted to quality in all aspects of the job, not afraid to swing big, and own the result.
Successful Candidates:
A successful candidate for the Manager, Field Operations position is a proactive, detail-oriented problem-solver with a strong understanding of field maintenance and agronomic best practices. They should be comfortable leading, training, and supporting a part-time staff, and possess strong communication and organizational skills that enable effective collaboration across departments. This individual should be committed to maintaining a safe, high-quality playing surface and ensuring seamless on-field event execution.
Job Competencies include:
- Technical Expertise
- Decisiveness
- Judgement
- Growth Mindset
- Communication
- Fostering teamwork
- Coachable
- Collaboration
- Forward Thinking
Responsibilities:
Turf Management
- Manage the Mowing, Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management, Cultivation, fertility application on grounds.
- Maintaining infield surface at MLS requirements as well as testing protocols and moisture levels.
- Ensure safe use of all equipment as well as handling maintenance requests and conduct preventative maintenance of equipment.
Administration & Management
- Assign, train, and maintain work standards and follow up on tasks given to pool of part-time employees.
- Schedule and process semi-monthly payroll through iSolved for hourly groundskeepers.
- Operate and maintain standard turfgrass management equipment for safe operation and longevity.
- Budget review and implementation with Head of Grounds.
Other
- Liaison between organization and Stadium Operations in for all non-soccer events on the field, floor plans, client and vendor field needs, load in and breakdown of events on the field.
- Manage technology & operating systems like WeatherSentry, Toro RainMaster Eagle Plus Irrigation clocks, Raw Stadia, Grow lights, RainMaker & biological nutrition systems.
- Assist with oversight in the maintenance of the stadiums outside landscape and surrounding areas.
- Maintain SDS sheets and fertilizer application records on a weekly and monthly basis. This role will help schedule, train, and develop all part-time groundskeepers and will play a key role in the planning and execution of all on-field events, including company outings, and concerts.
Qualifications:
- 2- or 4-year Degree in Turf Management required.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in maintaining a Collegiate or Professional facility.
- Minimum 3 years of experience managing a staff of part-time employees.
- California Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus.
- California Forklift Certification is a plus.
- Current/Valid Driver’s License with a positive DMV report.
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
- Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends. More than 40 hours per week is often required.
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. and stand for long periods of time.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.