About AIFF National Centre of Excellence

The AIFF National Centre of Excellence (NCE), Kolkata, is a premier football training and development facility dedicated to nurturing and enhancing Indian football talent. Equipped with world-class infrastructure, it serves as the training base for national teams and various football development programs.

Job Summary

The Head Groundsman will be responsible for the overall maintenance, preparation, and quality management of all playing surfaces and outdoor areas at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence, Kolkata. This role requires expertise in turf management, irrigation, and sports field maintenance to ensure that all pitches meet international standards. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in grounds keeping, possess strong leadership qualities, and have experience in maintaining professional football pitches.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds & Pitch Maintenance:

• Ensure that all natural grass and artificial turf pitches are maintained to the highest standards for training and competitive matches.
• Implement best practices in turf care, including mowing, aeration, fertilization, seeding, irrigation, and pest control.
• Monitor and improve soil conditions, drainage, and grass health to maintain high-quality playing surfaces.
• Prepare pitches according to FIFA/AFC guidelines, ensuring consistency in grass height, firmness, and overall playability.

Facility & Equipment Management:

• Oversee the maintenance and servicing of grounds keeping equipment, including mowers, irrigation systems, and pitch rollers.
• Ensure proper marking, lining, and field setup for different types of football training and matches.
• Manage sports lighting, goalposts, corner flags, and other pitch-related equipment.

Team Supervision & Training:

• Lead and supervise the grounds keeping team, assigning daily tasks and monitoring performance.
• Train staff on modern turf management techniques and safe machinery operation.
• Maintain a positive work environment that promotes efficiency and teamwork.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations concerning grounds maintenance, equipment use, and environmental sustainability.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure a safe working environment for staff and players.
• Manage weather-related field conditions and provide solutions for adverse conditions (e.g., excessive rain or drought).

Planning & Coordination:

• Develop and implement a seasonal maintenance schedule for the pitches and surrounding areas.
• Work closely with AIFF officials, coaches, and event coordinators to ensure field readiness for training camps, tournaments, and national team activities.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for procurement of fertilizers, seeds, and other grounds keeping materials.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in grounds keeping, preferably in a professional football or sports facility. (Essential)
• Proven expertise in maintaining football pitches, with knowledge of FIFA/AFC standards for pitch preparation.
• Strong understanding of irrigation systems, drainage solutions, and soil management.
• Experience in leading a team of grounds staff and coordinating large-scale maintenance projects.
• Familiarity with modern grounds keeping equipment and best practices in pitch maintenance.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as per match/training schedules.
• Knowledge of Indian climate conditions and their impact on football pitch maintenance is an added advantage.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Passion for football and a commitment to maintaining world-class facilities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunity to work in a high-performance football environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Other benefits as per AIFF policies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their updated CV and cover letter to hr@the-aiff.comwith the subject line "Application for Head Groundsman – AIFF NCE, Kolkata" by 28th March, 2025.

Join us in shaping the future of Indian football by ensuring world-class playing conditions at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence!