Sports Centre Grounds Assistant

Colleges Sport Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known sports facilities provider is seeking an operations team member in Manchester. The role involves maintaining sports grounds and equipment, operating horticultural machinery, and ensuring health and safety compliance. Candidates should have experience in sports facilities and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. This full-time position offers a salary between £23,742 and £25,249 per annum based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing services at indoor sports facilities.
• Familiarity with horticultural machinery for grounds maintenance.
• Understanding of health and safety in leisure facilities.

Responsibilities

• Support operations in indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
• Maintain sports grounds, including mowing and line marking.
• Operate horticultural vehicles and machinery safely.

Skills

Experience in indoor sports facilities

Grounds and turf maintenance

Health and safety practices

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Tools

Horticultural machinery

Robotic lawn mowers

Job description

University of Manchester

Details

Closing date: 1 March 2026
Location: Manchester
Region: North West
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: £23,742- £25,249 per annum, depending on experience

Description

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties:

To support the operations team in all operational aspects of indoor and outdoor sports facilities provision including set ups, breakdowns and changeovers in sporting activities.

Maintenance and landscaping of sports grounds and gardens as determined by the Sports Co-ordinator (Operations).

To set out grass pitches and maintain to a high standard including mowing, line marking, strimming, etc. Additional seasonal responsibilities required such as fertilising, over seeding and aeration.

To maintain artificial sports surfaces such as sand and 3G pitches, drag brushing, line marking and litter picking.

To maintain all sports equipment including goals, posts, nets, etc. and general maintenance of tools and equipment used. To report to the Senior Sports Centre Assistant any tools or equipment that become unsafe for use and require repair or replacement.

To operate horticultural vehicles such as tractors with trailers and fitting, and ride on mowers.

To use hand operated horticultural machinery in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure it is appropriately cleaned after use.

To operate and maintain robotic lawn mowers and robotic floor cleaners.

To wear protective clothing and equipment in accordance with Health and Safety requirements whilst carrying out specific works.

To ensure our facilities are compliant by completing regular facility checks, monitoring all areas and reporting any faults or issues to the on-shift supervisor.

To administer basic first aid within assigned university-owned sports facilities, in the event of injuries to individuals which require such attention, and as appropriately qualified to do so.

Provide excellent customer service at all times.

To undertake reception duties, as and when required.

To be aware of and follow University Child Protection Policy and procedure when dealing with users under the age of eighteen.

To maintain confidentiality of information in line with data protection & governance requirements and University Policy.

To comply with all University Health and Safety requirements.

Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all work practices.

To undertake such other duties (for the office or more widely in support of enhancing the student experience) as directed by the Senior Sports Centre Assistant commensurate with the level of responsibility for the role.

Person Specification - Knowledge, Skills / Competencies and Experience Needed:

Essential attributes and requirements

Experience of working in and providing services at indoor sports facilities such as sports halls.

Experience in grounds and turf maintenance including use of horticultural machinery.

Skills and knowledge in the maintenance of sports facilities and indoor and outdoor sports equipment.

A thorough understanding of health and safety, through appropriate training and practice, within sport and leisure facilities.

Good communication skills, demonstrating an ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people.

Flexible and responsive to customer needs and able to provide information and advice, whilst maintaining confidentiality.

Good organisational skills, and able to prioritise work in a busy environment.

Have a proactive, problem-solving, can-do approach to work.

Demonstrates an ability to work in a team environment and support colleagues in the delivery of objectives.

Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.

Computer literate with experience working with electronic leisure management booking systems.

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the student experience, excellent customer service and to the University’s values and behaviours.