JOB TITLE: Head Grounds Person

REPORTS TO: Clerk of the Course

PURPOSE: An integral part of the management team, leading on Turf Husbandry and Estate Management to ensure the track and resort grounds are presented in prime condition.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Track

• Preparing the course for racing – mowing, treading, fertilising, spraying, aerating and seeding as required.
• Plan annual Track Maintenance Programme, including fertiliser programmes, decompaction regimes, drainage installation etc.
• Maintain full records of all track maintenance in accordance with BHAGIs.
• Plan and implement a track irrigation programme to achieve optimum conditions and in compliance with British Horseracing Authority General Instructions.
• Plan drainage programmes alongside the retained agronomist.
• Agree the alignment and setting out of all running rail.
• Provide pre raceday going reports to the Clerk of the Course, including taking readings with the going stick.
• Regularly inspect track alongside Clerk of the Course.
• Carry out race day responsibilities as agreed with the Clerk of the Course and set out in the standing orders.

Grounds

• Ensuring high standards of presentation of grounds and lawns, all year round including the garden areas and around the hotel.  This will include clearing leaves from lawns, strimming, general gardening etc.

Staff

• Lead and manage the grounds staff team, supervising their work including hours of work, and any overtime required.
• Discuss any training requirements with the Clerk of the Course.
• Manage race day treading teams and staff levels required for racing.
• Ensure effective communication and engagement with the wider racecourse team.

Machinery and Stables

• Ensure that the stables, saddling boxes are cleaned and records of the type of disinfection carried out are maintained to British Horseracing Authority General Instructions.
• Maintaining and updating all relevant Health & Safety legislation compliance as required by government legislation and Hamilton Park Racecourse.
• Overall responsibility for maintaining Health & Safety records including risk assessments and COSHH assessments.
• Ensure that machinery is maintained in line with manufacturers’ recommendations.

Other

• Liaise with appropriate suppliers and develop effective relationships with them to ensure we receive the best service possible.
• Liaise with Hamilton College to ensure a smooth implementation of the maintenance regime for the pitches with minimal impact to college activities.
• Monitoring hours worked on college pitches and recharging accordingly.
• Keep the Clerk of the Course up to date with pertinent grounds issues.
• Budget responsibility for all track and grounds related expenditure.

Attributes

• A demonstrable leader of a small team.
• Strong communication skills, maintaining a professional approach at all times.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
• Qualified at least to IOG/GMA Level 2; Level 3 preferred.
• Racing knowledge preferable but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to live on site in three-bedroom house provided (optional).

This description is intended to indicate the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post.  It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but, while some variation can be expected in particular duties, the description is considered to provide a reasonable general description of the post.

Hamilton Park are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to the principle of equality regardless of race, colour, ethnic origin, religious belief, political opinion or affiliation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability. We will apply employment policies that are fair, equitable and consistent with the skills and abilities of our employees and the needs of the business.