Pitch Apprentice

Groundsperson - Apprentice Home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium is Irelands foremost sporting and entertainment venue.Over1,500,000 visitors are welcomed annually to national and international events and the Croke Parkcampusalsofeatures CrokeParkMeetings &Events andGAAMuseum&Tours. An opportunity now arises for a Groundsperson Apprentice to join the pitch team. To assist and carry out the day-to-day running of and maintenance of the playing surfaces the National Games Development Centre (NGDC) at the National Sports Campus. The role holder is also required to assist with the maintenance of the playing surface in Croke Park Stadium and the Croke Park Turf Farm in North County Dublin, ensuring the expected high standards are achieved. The successful candidate will report to the Pitch Manager. The position holder will also undertake any other such projects or responsibilities as may reasonably be delegated to him/her by his/her Manager. Principle Accountabilities: Assist with all grounds services in order to maintain company and professional standards; Undertake routine preparation and maintenance work at the Turf Farm and the playing surfaces at Croke Park Stadium and the GAA NGDC; Operate tractors with attachments, utility vehicles, mowers and other necessary equipment for the maintenance of the 3 facilities; Undertake all preparatory and renovation work to maintain safe, quality playing surfaces; Maintain a performance testing approach to pitch management; Involvement in the propagation of grass, through planting, fertilising, etc; Management of a range of reinforced pitch systems; Ensure all vehicles and equipment are regularly maintained in accordance with routine operating requirements; Monitor the use and stock levels of consumable items; Ensure the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides, fertilisers and other similar substances; Management of third party contractors; Assist in the supervision of seasonal and voluntary pitch staff; Make recommendations regarding improved work systems, labour and machinery utilisation. Please note the successful candidate must be enrolled and registered as an apprentice and will gain a Higher Certificate Level 6 in Sportsturf Management after successful completion of the 2 year apprenticeship. Details of the Apprenticeship course: QQI Approved and Validated programme Attendance at college for 6 weeks per annum is required On-line blended learning throughout Engage with fellow apprentices in a formal education programme while under the guidance of an approved workplace mentor Further information for Sportsturf Apprenticeship: Occupational Profile - Apprenticeship Code of Practice - Be able to demonstrate a passion for horticulture, landscaping, turf management or similar Essential Criteria: A full clean driving license; Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; Strong ability to work independently on own initiative and perform as part of a team; Excellent problem solving and time management skills, and attention to detail; Awareness and understanding of relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures; Ability to work weekends and bank holidays when required; Flexibility to work between the Turf Farm, Croke Park Stadium and the GAA National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown; An interest in, and knowledge of, Gaelic Games and Croke Park Stadium. Entry requirements for the apprenticeship course: Option1: - Leaving certificate Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five leaving certificate (or equivalent) subjects. A minimum of grade O6 mut be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics. Option 2 Holders of a QQI Level 5 (or equivalent in Horticulture can apply for entry onto the programme. Option 3 A candidate 17, or older who does not hold the Leve 5 qualifications as set out in categories 1 or 2 above but who has a minimum of 1 years experience working in the sports turf industry, is recommended by their employer and demonstrates the correct attitudes, behaviours, and literacy skills, will also be eligible to apply. Note- the English Language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme. Skills: Communication Interpersonal Skills Problem Solving Health and Safety