Head Grounds Person Racecourse

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Head Grounds Person to join our team at Chelmsford City Racecourse!

Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UK’s largest horse racing group. We have 22 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work! Our success is a team effort which is why we offer great opportunities for growth, development and career progression.

After all, it’s our employees that enable us to offer first class service and create an electric atmosphere, all within an industry we love.

We embrace diversity. We develop our people. We care for our visitors. We think about our impact. We are proud of our sport.

• Annual passes to attend any of our 22 venues
• Discounted food & ARC days out
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days
• Company life assurance scheme
• Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work
• Support with study through our study assistance schemes

And so much more…

As Head Grounds Person you will aim to maintain a quality racing surface all year round as well as maintaining all racing areas and the wider racecourse concourse to the highest possible standard of presentation. You will also assist, when available, with the maintenance of buildings and equipment as well as assisting in the operational aspects of Racedays and other Racecourse Events.

• Carry out a planned maintenance programme for the all-weather racing surface and surrounding areas, including regular inspection and record keeping.
• Prepare and maintain the racing surface for racing, including harrowing, levelling, grading, grooming, rolling and redistribution/replenishment of surface material as required.
• Maintain the presentation of areas adjacent to the racing surface, including mowing, strimming, cleaning of the running rail and general upkeep of the track surrounds.
• Maintain all Lawns and Parade Rings, trees, hedges, shrubs and flowers with particular attention to Raceday presentation.
• Responsible for the general maintenance of outside areas including car parks, tracks, ambulance track, tarmac areas and horsebox park.
• Ensure all course machinery and equipment is maintained in safe working order and organise repairs and replacements where and when necessary.
• Monitor weather conditions and forecasts and take appropriate preventative and remedial action to protect the racing surface and infrastructure.
• In conjunction with the Clerk of the Course, manage the Grounds Team, including briefing, supervising and assisting staff in their duties.
• Ensure all staff comply with all statutory procedures and company rules and comply with regulations and safe working practices.
• Liaise with the Racecourse Office regarding Non Racing Events especially where areas of your responsibility may be involved.

• Experience of leading, supervising and developing a Grounds Team.
• Experience of maintaining and preparing a racing surface or similar sports surface.
• Strong knowledge of grounds maintenance, machinery and equipment.
• The ability to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate preventative and remedial action.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage maintenance programmes and budgets.
• A proactive approach to health, safety and environmental management.
• A keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high…