Head Groundsperson, Shelbourne Park

Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland (RCÉ/GRI)

Location: Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium

Reporting to: Regional Racing Manager

About the Organisation:

Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland is a commercial semi-state body under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. (DAFM). RCÉ/GRI has licensed a total of 15 tracks in the Republic, of which nine are owned and controlled by the organisation. The remainder are owned and operated by private enterprise. RCÉ/GRI is responsible for the control, promotion, regulation, and ongoing development of the greyhound racing industry in Ireland. The organisation operates a multi-faceted business model, incorporating:

- Regulatory and Governance Functions
- Control & Welfare of Greyhounds
- Commercial Racing Operations
- Events & Hospitality Services
- Tote & Wagering Operations
- Centralised Head Office support functions (Finance, IT, Events, Marketing and Laboratory)

This role supports the delivery of RCÉ/GRI’s 5-Year Strategic Plan by strengthening workforce planning, data integrity, and people management practices to enable a high-performing and wellgoverned organisation. The organisation employs approximately 700 individuals, including both full-time and part-time employees, reflecting the operational scale and complexity of a multi-site, event-driven business.

Role Overview

The Manager of Grounds Maintenance & Racing Equipment Team plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that Shelbourne Park consistently operates as a flagship racing venue capable of hosting premier events to the highest standards.

The post holder will lead and manage the Ground staff and Maintenance Team all aspects of track preparation, grounds maintenance, and racing equipment to deliver a world-class racing surface and stadium environment. The role is pivotal in ensuring excellence in presentation, safety, and performance, enhancing the experience for stakeholders including owners, trainers, spectators, and commercial partners.

Hours of Work

This role requires flexibility to support a dynamic racing schedule. Hours will vary across Monday to Saturday, aligned with trial sessions, race nights, and maintenance requirements. A weekly roster will be agreed with the Regional Racing Manager.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership & Management

Lead, manage, and develop the Grounds Maintenance & Racing Equipment team to deliver consistently high standards.
Plan, schedule, and oversee all track and grounds activities aligned with racing and trial programmes.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Track & Racing Surface Excellence

Ensure the racing surface is prepared and maintained to elite standards suitable for major race meetings.
Oversee all aspects of track conditioning, including harrowing, plating, watering, and camber consistency.
Work closely with racing operations to optimise track performance for both trials and race nights.
Record and monitor racing track conditions and performance statistics, and review on a regular basis with management and implement plans when necessary.

Racing Equipment & Operations

Manage the maintenance and readiness of all racing equipment, including traps, hare system, and support infrastructure.
Operate the hare during trials and race meetings to the required standards (training provided).
Implement preventative maintenance programmes to minimise downtime and ensure reliability.

Grounds & Stadium Presentation

Ensure the overall presentation of stadium grounds and facilities reflects a flagship venue status.
Oversee maintenance of grass areas, infield, and surrounding stadium environments.
Ensure the venue is presented to the highest standard for all events, particularly major race nights.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage professionally with owners, trainers, and racing personnel, ensuring strong working relationships.
Support the delivery of high-quality race meetings and trials through effective communication and coordination.

Compliance & Administration

Ensure full compliance with all GRI policies, statutory regulations, and health & safety standards.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, track conditions, and operational data.
Support reporting requirements and continuous improvement through data-driven practices.

Operational Support

Support trial sessions, including payment processing and reporting in line with company procedures.
Operate flexibly across both private and official trials as required.
Undertake additional duties as required to support stadium operations and business needs.
Assists with non-race day events when required.

Key Skills and Competencies

Proven experience in grounds maintenance, track preparation, or a related operational environment.
Strong leadership and team management capability.
Experience operating tractors, machinery, and specialist equipment.
Good administrative and reporting skills, with attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
Relevant qualification, trade, or practical experience advantageous.
Full clean driving licence.
Flexible, proactive, and hands-on approach to work.

The successful candidate will:
Key Outcome

Shelbourne Park is consistently presented and operated as Ireland’s premier greyhound racing venue, with a racing surface and facilities that meet the highest standards required to host major national and international events.

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