About AIFF National Centre of Excellence:

The AIFF National Centre of Excellence (NCE), Kolkata, is a premier football development facility dedicated to nurturing top-tier football talent in India. The NCE provides world-class training grounds, stadium-quality pitches, and high-performance infrastructure to support elite footballers, coaches, and teams.

Job Purpose:

The Groundsman will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the football pitches and surrounding areas at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence. This role ensures that the playing surfaces are maintained to the highest professional standards, enabling top-level training and competitive matches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pitch Maintenance: Maintain and prepare football pitches, ensuring they are in top condition for training and matches.
• Turf Care: Conduct regular mowing, watering, aeration, fertilization, top-dressing, and pest control of natural grass surfaces.
• Synthetic Turf Maintenance: Clean, brush, and maintain artificial turf fields as per best practices.
• Line Marking: Ensure accurate and professional pitch marking as per FIFA/AFC regulations.
• Weather Preparedness: Implement measures to protect playing surfaces from adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain covers, drainage checks).
• Equipment & Machinery Management: Operate and maintain grounds keeping tools and machinery such as mowers, aerators, and sprinklers.
• Irrigation & Drainage: Monitor and manage irrigation systems and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Repair & Renovation: Assist in pitch repairs, including turf replacement, levelling, and soil improvement when needed.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for players, coaches, and staff.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in grounds maintenance, preferably in sports facilities.
• Knowledge of turf management, pitch maintenance techniques, and irrigation systems.
• Experience in maintaining both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces.
• Ability to operate and maintain grounds keeping machinery and tools.
• Basic understanding of sports field marking standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Knowledge of health and safety protocols related to grounds maintenance.
• A relevant qualification in horticulture, turf management, or sports field maintenance (preferred).

Key Skills:

• Strong work ethic and passion for football pitch maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and coordination skills.
• Problem-solving abilities for pitch-related issues.

Work Schedule & Conditions:

• Full-time position with flexible hours, including weekends and match days.
• Outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Physical labour involving lifting, bending, and working with equipment.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive salary as per AIFF norms.
• Opportunity to work in India’s premier football facility.
• Professional growth and training opportunities in sports turf management.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send their updated resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience to hr@the-aiff.com with the subject line “Application for Groundsman at NCE” by 28th March, 2025.

Join us in maintaining world-class football facilities and contributing to the growth of Indian football!