Director of Sports Turf

About Pelicans Ballpark

Pelicans Ballpark is a year-round entertainment venue and home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Pelicans Ballpark is in Myrtle Beach, SC less than a mile from the beach. The ballpark hosts 66 Pelicans game each year in addition to numerous other events including concerts, baseball/softball games, the Myrtle Beach Marathon, community events and more.

About the Myrtle Beach Area

The Myrtle Beach area hosts 20,000,000+ visitors annually and the destination consistently ranks among the best in the country. Stretching along 60 miles of sun-kissed South Carolina shoreline, Myrtle Beach is more than just a beach - it's a vibrant coastal destination where every moment becomes a memory. From the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to hidden gems in our 14 unique communities, The Beach is calling with something for everyone.

Who are the Myrtle Beach Pelicans?

The Pelicans are entering their 27th season in Myrtle Beach. The team played its first season in 1999 and recently signed a new 30-year lease with the City of Myrtle Beach, securing their future in Pelicans Ballpark for decades to come.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Awards & Accolades

• #1 MiLB Single-A Ballpark Experience for 6th Consecutive Year (Stadium Journey Magazine, 2024)
• 2020 Community Award Winner (SC Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel)
• 2015 Bob Freitas Class A-Advanced Award Winner (Baseball America)
• Carolina League Excellence in Marketing & Promotions Award
• Top 5 Myrtle Beach Attraction (Trip Advisor)
• Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Recipient
• Franchise Sellout Record (15)
• Franchise Record for Average Nightly Attendance (4,197)
• Back-to-Back Carolina League Champions (2015 & 2016)

Who Are We Looking For?

In most every industry you'll find people who are content with where they are. With the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, we pride ourselves on hiring people who have the drive, will and determination to keep getting better every single day.

Position Description

The Head Groundskeeper oversees the daily maintenance, care, and preparation of the playing surfaces and Performance Center at Pelicans Ballpark. Working closely under the supervision of the Director of Ballpark Operations, this role ensures that both facilities meet professional baseball standards and remain safe, playable, and visually exceptional throughout the year.

This position leads in all aspects of field maintenance, including turf management, irrigation, fertilization, edging, and infield and mound preparation. The Head Groundskeeper also oversees equipment upkeep, drainage systems, supply inventories, and manages the grounds crew staff, while also supporting ballpark staff, training, and event preparation for games and special events.

Ideal candidates will have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for sports turf management. This is a hands-on, team-oriented position that plays a vital role in creating a first-class experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of the playing field for baseball related and special event activity, as well as facilitate the set up/breakdown of all necessary equipment for each.
• Manage all field prep including, but not limited to, turf management, fertilization, and disease control, edging, mound and plate prep, warning track maintenance, and infield playing surface maintenance.
• Do regular field inspections to ensure the quality and safety of the playing field at all times.
• Maintain compliance for the playing surface and related areas in accordance with MLB PDL standards.
• Facilitate the infield tarp while monitoring weather conditions to ensure playability and player safety.
• Perform post-game field and turf maintenance as necessary.
• Operate and maintain all equipment in a safe manner and keep in excellent working condition.
• Repair and maintain irrigation system.
• Monitor and manage field drainage systems to prevent flooding and ensure playable conditions.
• Develop and maintain a fertilization, herbicide and fungicide program.
• Prepare and carry out an off-season field/turf maintenance program.
• Effectively manage a budget as assigned by Management that will include, but will not be limited to, supplies, equipment and game day personnel wages.
• Hire, schedule, train, and manage all interns, part-time, and game day field staff.
• Develop a positive and professional relationship with home and visiting managers to coordinate field and facility usage, as well as attend to any specific needs.
• Maintain a positive relationship with umpires.
• Maintain clean and tidy grounds and grounds shed area.
• Assist in coordination of fireworks and fall-out crew.
• Assist the Operations Department with stadium operation tasks that relate to the general upkeep and cleanliness of the ballpark.
• Assist Operations Department in off-season projects including but not limited to painting, carpentry, and general maintenance.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in groundskeeping and field maintenance.
• Perform…