Groundsman

About the Organisation

The AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata is a leading football development campus built to support high-performance training. It offers professional-grade pitches, stadium-standard playing surfaces, and the infrastructure needed for elite players, coaches, and teams.

Role Overview

The Groundsman will look after the condition, presentation, and daily upkeep of football pitches and the surrounding grounds at the National Centre of Excellence. The aim of this role is to keep all playing surfaces in excellent condition for training sessions and matches at the highest level.

What You Will Do

• Keep football pitches prepared and maintained so they remain suitable for training and match play.
• Carry out routine turf care tasks such as mowing, watering, aeration, fertilisation, top dressing, and pest management on natural grass areas.
• Maintain synthetic playing surfaces by cleaning, brushing, and following standard care practices.
• Apply accurate line markings that align with FIFA/AFC field specifications.
• Take preventive steps to protect surfaces during adverse weather, including use of covers and drainage inspections.
• Use and look after grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, aerators, and sprinkler systems.
• Oversee irrigation and drainage performance to reduce waterlogging and keep the pitches playable.
• Support repair and renovation work such as turf replacement, levelling, and soil enhancement when required.
• Follow health, safety, and compliance requirements to maintain a safe environment for players, coaches, and staff.

Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience in grounds maintenance, preferably in a sports facility environment. Practical knowledge of turf care, pitch preparation, and irrigation systems is important. Experience with both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces is preferred. A background or qualification in horticulture, turf management, or sports field maintenance is an added advantage.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time role with flexible working hours, including weekends and match days.
• The work is outdoors and may involve different weather conditions.
• The role includes physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and handling equipment.

Benefits

• Salary will be in line with AIFF norms.
• You will have the chance to work at one of India’s premier football facilities.
• The role offers opportunities for learning, training, and professional growth in sports turf management.

Application Details

Applicants should email an updated resume and a cover letter describing relevant experience to hr@the-aiff.com. The subject line should read “Application for Groundsman at NCE”. The application deadline is 28 March 2025.