What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Grounds - TD Ballpark position at Toronto Blue Jays?
Job Description
The Toronto Blue Jays are seeking a Manager of Grounds to lead all field and ground operations at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. This role is responsible for delivering Major League-caliber playing conditions and ensuring that the ballpark grounds remain safe, professional, and visually outstanding year-round.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for turf management, clay areas, irrigation systems, equipment programs, weather response, game preparation, and staff supervision.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Toronto Blue Jays are seeking a Manager of Grounds to lead all field and ground operations at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. This role is responsible for delivering Major League-caliber playing conditions and ensuring that the ballpark grounds remain safe, professional, and visually outstanding year-round.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for turf management, clay areas, irrigation systems, equipment programs, weather response, game preparation, and staff supervision.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Staff Oversight
- Lead, train, and mentor grounds crew members while fostering a positive and professional workplace culture.
- Develop annual, monthly, and daily maintenance plans for all ballpark outdoor spaces.
- Create daily staff schedules and manage real‑time job assignments based on field usage and operational needs.
- Supervise part-time and seasonal staff during games, practices, and events.
Field & Turf Management
- Maintain all turfgrass through mowing, edging, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, pest/disease management, and moisture control.
- Maintain the infield skin, pitcher’s mound, home plate, bullpens, warning track, and all clay areas to both professional and MLB baseball standards.
- Conduct daily field inspections to ensure safety, consistency, and visual quality.
- Manage tarp deployment and weather-related decisions for field protection.
Irrigation, Drainage & Environmental Systems
- Oversee all irrigation systems, including scheduling, repairs, inspections, and water management.
- Monitor and maintain drainage systems to prevent flooding and ensure optimal playability.
Equipment, Materials & Shop Oversight
- Oversee operation, repair, and preventative maintenance for grounds equipment, including mowers, gators, rollers, and utility vehicles.
- Maintain inventory of materials and tools; order supplies in accordance with the annual maintenance budget.
- Implement a shop maintenance program covering safety procedures, cleaning, organization, and parts inventory.
Game & Event Operations
- Prepare the field for Spring Training & Minor League games, practices, workouts and special events.
- Manage pre-and post‑game field tasks, including grooming, chalking, painting lines, BP setup, and placement of mats, screens, and field covers.
- Oversee field protection and restoration for non-baseball events such as concerts and community gatherings.
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain detailed logs of field conditions, maintenance activities, equipment usage, and chemical applications.
- Contributing to a 12-month maintenance program
- Ensure all playing surfaces meet MLB Player Development League (PDL) and Toronto Blue Jays performance and safety standards.
- Participate in long-term planning, renovation projects, and capital improvement efforts.
Hands-On Work
- Perform all duties of the grounds team when required, including during high‑demand periods or inclement weather.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years of experience managing and working on athletic fields, golf courses, or high-end commercial landscape properties.
- 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience in a fast-paced environment preferred.
- Ability to build and maintain a positive team culture that aligns with the company values.
- 2‑ or 4‑year Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related degree - preferred.
- OSHA certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong time management skills and the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated success in team-based environments.
- General mechanical aptitude for equipment troubleshooting and small repairs.
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in Florida climate conditions.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Proficiency in operating professional turf equipment such as mowers, rollers, gators, and utility vehicles.
- Florida Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain).
Blue Jays has a strong commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusion. Everyone who applies for a job will be considered. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply and join us in shaping the future of our club. Together, we will build a team that reflects the richness of the game and the communities that we represent.
Throughout the recruitment process, we are dedicated to working with candidates who have accessibility needs to ensure they have the necessary support to perform at their best. Questions regarding accessibility throughout the recruitment process can be directed to tbj.careers@bluejays.com.