Manager, Grounds

ABOUT OUR CLUB

Philadelphia Union was awarded Major League Soccer's 16th franchise in February 2008 and officially launched in May 2009. Owned and operated by Union Sports and Entertainment, the club began its inaugural season in 2010 and opened Subaru Park in June of that year. Located along the Delaware River at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge, Subaru Park is a world-class, soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 18,500—just 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.

Since its founding, the Union has built a strong competitive legacy. The club reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015, and 2018, and has consistently qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs, including appearances in 2011, 2016, 2018 to 2023, and 2025. In 2020, the Union captured its first Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record, and repeated the achievement in 2025. The club made its debut in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2021 and returned in 2023. In 2022, the Union were crowned Eastern Conference Champions and competed in one of the most thrilling MLS Cup Finals in league history.

Located just outside Subaru Park, is Union Yards, a vibrant fan-centric destination featuring a 7,000-square-foot brew hall and a 32,500-square-foot tailgate zone. The space offers communal seating, live entertainment, tailgate games, and a full-service bar with local brews and food options. It is designed to extend the matchday experience and foster community among fans before and after games.

In 2025, the Union unveiled the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a 170,000-square-foot sports and recreation complex with three grass and four turf fields, adjacent to Subaru Park. This state-of-the-art facility unites the first team, second team, and academy programs on one campus which is the first of its kind in Major League Soccer. It serves as a hub for elite training, youth development, and community engagement, hosting year-round tournaments, clinics, and wellness programming.

Philadelphia Union's culture is defined by its brand positioning: Young, Fearless, Challengers. This identity reflects the club's commitment to defying the ordinary and relentlessly pursuing excellence both on and off the field. The Union's crest and colors pay homage to Philadelphia's revolutionary spirit, with the snake, shield, slogan, and thirteen stars symbolizing the city's historic role as America's original capital.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Utilizing independent judgment, the Grounds Manager assists the Director of Sports Turf in managing, supervising and coordinating all landscaping needs across all campus facilities, including Subaru Park and the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.

Responsibilities:

• Leader on all beautification projects across campus.
• Major focus on flower bed maintenance, tree and shrub planting and pruning, lawn care and fertilization.
• Responsible for parking lot maintenance and upkeep.
• Responsible for coordinating snow removal procedures, utilizing both in-house labor and 3rd party vendors.
• Responsible for the scheduling, repair and maintenance of all landscape irrigation.
• Work closely with the WSFS Bank Sportsplex staff to ensure all grounds needs are fulfilled for events.
• Assist as needed with field projects, including but not limited to aerification and application of grow lights and covers.
• Manage grounds related service contracts and relationships with vendors.
• Manage and train part time seasonal ground staff.
• Assist in the hiring process of part-time grounds staff.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's/Technical degree from an accredited college/university/school required.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in grounds or turf management.
• Ability to work event nights, weekends and holidays as required.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical and electrical principals are helpful
• Hold a valid PA pesticide license or have the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate all grounds maintenance equipment.

Work environment

• The duties of this position are performed indoors and outdoors in the weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environments is usually moderate to loud during events and minimal during non-event times.

This position requires valid criminal background clearances in the state of PA:

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• PA State Police Criminal Record Check
• Department of Human Services Background Check (via fingerprinting)
• Annual Safe Sport Certification

OUR PERKS

• Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after elimination period).
• Company-paid life insurance and disability.
• Access to licensed therapists via the virtual mental health platform, Tava Health, available to all employees and their dependents.
• Wellness reimbursements through Independence Blue Cross.
• Paid holidays and PTO days annually.
• 50% merchandise discount.
• Other league and partner discounts.
• Complimentary or discounted tickets.
• 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center and locker rooms with employee Sportsplex access.
• On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. Not sure you meet every requirement? Championship teams are built on diverse strengths. If you're passionate about sports and excited about this role, we want to hear from you