Head Groundskeeper - Scottsdale Sports Complex (Parks & Recreation Operations Supervisor)

Introduction

Scottsdale's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking an experienced, energized leader to take charge of one of the most unique and high-profile sports turf portfolios in the region. This is an opportunity to shape the performance and presentation of 21 elite, sand-based sports fields across three major sports complexes-Scottsdale Sports Complex, Bell94 Sports Complex, and Reata Sports Complex-along with two neighborhood parks and the iconic WestWorld polo fields.

These facilities are the heartbeat of Scottsdale’s sports tourism and community recreation. They host daily league play, national tournaments, and world-class special events that draw visitors from across the country. From supporting major gatherings like the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament and Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale car auctionto ensuring pristine conditions for athletes of all levels, your work will be seen, appreciated, and relied upon every single day.

This role is hands-on, fast-moving, and deeply operational. You’ll lead a skilled team in delivering exceptional field quality where quality, responsiveness, and presentation are non-negotiable. If you thrive in environments where standards are high and every detail matters, this is your stage.
Key Responsibilities

• Execute and refine the agronomy program across all sports fields and surrounding turf
• Manage irrigation systems, landscaping, and field performance standards
• Lead and develop a high-performing grounds team-setting goals, training staff, and driving a culture of accountability and excellence
• Oversee daily operations across multiple facilities, ensuring projects, work orders, and field preparations stay on track and meet top-tier standards
• Ensure facilities are event-ready for leagues, tournaments, and major citywide events
• Direct and review daily assignments, guide staff through challenges, and strategically allocate manpower to match seasonal and event-driven demands
• Build and manage annual budgets to support field performance, equipment needs, and long-term facility planning
• Respond to community needs using the Scottsdale EZ system, delivering timely, solutions-focused service
• Create and enforce operational policies, procedures, and safety practices that keep staff protected and facilities running smoothly

The City of Scottsdale offers comprehensive benefits designed to support your personal and professional growth including:

• 12 Paid Holidays, including 1 Floating Holiday
• Vacation Accrual starting at 10.3 hours per month, available for use as soon as it’s earned
• Sick Leave Accrual at 8 hours per month, also available immediately after accrual
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, including behavioral health services
• City-Paid Basic Life Insurance equal to one year of your annual salary, with optional supplemental coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement up to$2,500 per year to help you continue your education
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)- a defined benefit pension plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12%, including long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental Retirement Options through Nationwide (457 plan)
• Pet Insurance to help care for your animals
• Bilingual Pay Compensation for eligible employees
• Employee Wellness Incentives to support your health goals
• Free Access to multiple city-owned fitness and recreational facilities

Please visit the Human Resources and Benefits Information page for more information.

Please note:

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Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution.
• Three years of experience in a related field specific to the area of assignment.
• Must have at least one year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or job-related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements

• Must possess, at time of application, and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 36 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department requires that out-of-state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona. Note: Graduated Driver’s Licenses are considered restricted.
• Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.

Essential Functions

Click here to view the job description and full list of Essential Functions.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Click here to view the job description and full list of Work Environment/Physical Demands.

Selection Process:

The application and supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state “See Resume” in lieu of answering. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process that may include a panel interview. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening that may include:

• Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
• Criminal Background screening
• Drug Screen
• 36-Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are based on a work schedule of 2,080 hours per year for full-time positions and 1,040 hours per year for part-time positions, and while work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. Depending upon the job classification, education may not be substituted for work experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an “otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR Receptionist at 480-312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR Receptionist at 480-312-2491.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Full-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday and medical leave as well as insurance for medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance. For a more detailed overview of the employee benefits, click here .

Part-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers paid medical leave for part-time staff.

Commute Solutions Program
City of Scottsdale provides free Valley Metro Platinum passes to employees for the bus and light rail systems when commuting; a vanpool subsidy is also available. Employees can decrease stress, decrease wear & tear on their vehicle, and help the environment all at the same time.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
The City of Scottsdale is considered a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You may find more information about the PSFL program by going to the Federal Student Aid website by clicking here .

Closing Date/Time: 3/4/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

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• City of Scottsdale

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