Job Title: Manager of Grounds
Department: Venue
Reports to: Assistant Director of Grounds
Work Location: Denver, CO
Employee Type: Full-time
Pay Type: Salaried
FLSA: Exempt
Supervisor Position: Yes
Application Deadline: March 12th, 2026 at 12:00am
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CLIMB WITH US. Denver Summit FC is Colorado’s professional women’s soccer club, proudly holding the distinction of being the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. Our unwavering mission is to cultivate the preeminent professional soccer club globally, achieved through deep and meaningful engagement with Denver’s dynamic and multifaceted communities. The Denver Summit FC team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, is comprised of a robust and dedicated ownership group led by Rob Cohen, alongside a collective of impassioned local and national investors. This blend of local roots and broad support underscores our dedication to both Colorado and the wider soccer community.
Nature of Work:
The Manager of Grounds will oversee and execute the turfgrass maintenance at the Common Spirit Performance Center, the Centennial Stadium and the shared use fields adjacent. This position is multi-faceted, involving a blend of hands-on turf management, staff supervision, logistical and collaborative planning to ensure world-class, safe, and aesthetically exceptional playing surfaces. This role is crucial for the success of both the training facilities and temporary stadium in Centennial. It requires an organized, detail oriented, safety minded and team focused individual with advanced turfgrass management knowledge.
Examples of work performed:
- Field Maintenance and Preparation: Manage the daily care of natural grass and artificial turf fields, including mowing, fertilization, irrigation, aeration, topdressing, sod repair and snow removal. This also involves field safety testing, data collection, precise field painting and layout for matches and training sessions according to professional league standards (e.g., NWSL, FIFA). In the event of snow, ensure that parking lots, sidewalks, and fields are clear and ready for the team, staff, and when necessary fans to arrive.
- Agronomic Planning: Collaborate in the development and execution of annual and long-term agronomic programs. This includes monitoring turfgrass and soil conditions using field-testing equipment and implementing plans for wear tolerance, disease prevention and pest control.
- Leadership and Supervision: Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor full-time, part-time, and seasonal grounds staff. The manager of grounds fosters a culture of accountability, inclusivity and teamwork.
- Equipment Management: Ensure the proper operation, safety training, maintenance, storage, and repair of all groundskeeping equipment, from mowers and tractors to specialized tools and irrigation systems.
- Collaboration and Event Support: Build strong relationships with coaches, performance staff, and other club leadership to align field conditions with team needs. The role also involves coordinating with event managers for various stadium events, including special field requirements, setup, and breakdown, while maintaining a customer first focus.
- Inventory and Budget Management: Assist with tracking and managing the inventory of materials, equipment, and supplies.
This description is a summary only and highlights the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change based on business needs. The Company reserves the right to add or remove duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- The position requires physical stamina, the ability to lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs), and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions as well as a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods of time
- Typical Office Conditions
- Travel between facilities as necessary
Qualifications:
Minimum
- BS/BA degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture or related field OR Turfgrass Management certification
- 4+ years’ experience in high use turfgrass management, including professional sports
- Working knowledge of field construction and maintenance pertaining to irrigation, drainage, rootzone, artificial turf, hydronic heating systems, SubAir systems, and grow lights
- Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards
- Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire
Preferred
- Experience working with third party contractors
- Experience either working with or working for Public Safety Agencies (Police, Fire, Intelligence, EMS, Military, etc.)
- Experience with TV and radio broadcast a plus
Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of turfgrass principles, and a mechanical aptitude for equipment are essential
- Committed to remain up to date with industry best practices
- Experience working with Microsoft Office, Google Drive apps and managing a budget
- Ability to plan and execute a safe and budget adhering event
- Ability to creatively solve problems and make decisions under pressure
- Ability to maintain a customer focused attitude, remain positive and demonstrate professionalism
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Ability to prioritize and complete work accurately and in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently & in a group setting and demonstrate good judgment skills
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Possesses excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to changing environments
Compensation:
- Base salary range $65,000-$75,000 per annum
- Eligible for annual discretionary bonus
Benefits Include:
- 15 Paid Company Holidays
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- 401K Match
Equal Employment Opportunity
Denver Summit FC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.