Assistant Stadium Manager | Sports Field Manager

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

OVG has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Manager/Sports Field Manager at Fair Park.  This role reports to the Stadium Manager and partner closely with other management teams, including the Assistant General Manager of Operations. This role is responsible for managing turf management, including small department, collaborates with departmental leads and serves as liaison for major broadcase events.

This role will pay a salary of $80,000 to $90,000.

For FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays)

This position will remain open until November 8, 2024.

Fair Park is a 277-acre, multi-venue complex and a public park located in South Dallas, TX, just 2 miles from downtown.  We are home to 7 cultural institutions, the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium, the State Fair of Texas and is the largest collecion of Art Deco Architecture in the U.S. and is designated as a National Historical Landmark.

• Responsible for all elements associated with turf and turf management for Cotton Bowl Stadium including development of daily mowing cycle, fertilization, and soil reports, in order to achieve a dynamic playing surface that is safe and will attract potential events to Cotton Bowl Stadium, capable of hosting international-level sporting events and entertainment.
• Develops and manages staff for turf management.
• Oversees turf management equipment and equipment maintenance.
• Assists with operations and maintenance of the stadium in specified areas.
• Manage the workload and development of associates on the Turf Management Team, ensuring consistent practices in line with other OVG departments.
• Collaborate/Liaise with departmental leads to ensure a high level of communication well in advance of events/needs.
• In conjunction with the Stadium Operations Manager, weekly inspect the facilities for hazards and other potential operational concerns in specified areas.
• In conjunction with the Stadium Operations Manager, develop annual maintenance plan for Cotton Bowl Stadium.
• Oversee all field painting and associated equipment.
• Recommends and manages procurement of new turf management equipment.
• Stay current with industry best practices and recommend modifications to operational plans based on feasibility/budgetary constraints.
• Maintain a high level of operational efficiency while always working to further enhance the overall client experience.
• Supervise the annual installation and removal of the stadium bleachers.
• Support client events, in conjunction with Stadium Operations Manager, in aspects of game and event management.
• Always represent Fair Park Dallas and OVG and its related affiliates in a professional manner.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.
• Must be flexible to work flexible hours related to events/games/preparation including nights, weekends, early mornings

Game Day/Event Day Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-game walk thru of the turf and player/entertainer areas to ensure a safe, pristine environment for athletes, performers, fans and staff.
• Serve as TV Liaison for game/event day production activities, if needed.
• Assist in the execution of game day/event day activities at Cotton Bowl Stadium
• In conjunction with the Stadium Operations Manager, liaise with Operations departmental leads to ensure compliance with the above.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five years of experience in athletic field management
• Six years of related experience in athletic field management preferably at the collegiate level
• Previous experience managing a staff

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
• Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze sports field conditions and develop maintenance plans
• Ability to allocate work assignments and/or task responsibilities, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency of self and others
• Ability to analyze problems and develop alternative solutions
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
• Ability to think creatively and adapt to frequently changing environments and work requirements
• Knowledge of athletic field management and construction
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment and irrigation systems
• Familiarity with and ability to use various power tools
• Excellent communication skills and be able to clearly communicate project goals to all members of team

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Sports Field Manager through the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA)

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.