Director, Field Operations (57888)

About the Louisville Bats:

The Louisville Bats, Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, offer classic baseball charm and exciting action at Louisville Slugger Field. Known for developing future Major League talent and connecting with the community, the Bats remain a beloved part of Louisville. As part of Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the Bats are supported by a network of clubs focused on innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. DBH provides employees with opportunities for professional growth, development, and career advancement within a supportive and team-oriented environment.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings:

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment company that owns and operates an unmatched roster of Minor League Baseball clubs and premier venues in North America. We bring together baseball, must-see special events and community-driven experiences to create unforgettable moments for millions of fans each year. Across our stadiums and clubs, we're redefining what an amazing night out can be, from memorable outings built around America's pastime to immersive exhibition-style sporting events, innovative promotions, legendary concerts, cultural festivals, family entertainment and other unique experiences that bring people together.

With nearly 50 clubs and venues across the United States and Canada, DBH is home to some of the most beloved brands in MiLB, offering unique opportunities to build a career in sports, entertainment, hospitality and live events. Through our partnership with Major League Baseball, we help shape sponsorship, licensing and commercial opportunities that extend across all 120 MiLB markets, giving our teams the chance to make an impact on both a national and local level.

Whether you're joining one of our clubs or our back-office team, you'll be part of an organization that values creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional fan experiences while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

The Louisville Bats are seeking a motivated and hard-working Director of Field Operations who will be responsible for the management, planning, and implementation of the maintenance and agronomic program for Louisville Slugger Field. This position offers an excellent opportunity to manage one of the most advanced playing surfaces in Minor League Baseball. Diamond Baseball Holdings also offers competitive benefits packages and national support through its vast network of clubs.

About the Field Renovation

Louisville Slugger Field is slated to undergo a complete field renovation project to meet PDL standards in 2026. This project will encompass a new drainage system, irrigation system, off field manifold, pump system, sand base fusion rootzone, Duraedge infield, and Northbridge Bermuda grass. To continue to be resource conscious Diamond Baseball Holdings has implemented Fusion rootzone which is a blend of sand and clay base soil that provides excellent infiltration and ideal porosity levels while also aiding in the retention of moisture and nutrients often lost in sand base athletic fields.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- General duties include, but are not limited to mowing, fertilizing, maintaining and rebuilding pitching mounds and home plate areas, dragging and moisture management of infield skin, field marking, edging, aerating, topdressing, verticutting, replacing sod, and tarping.

- Administrative and managerial oversight of the department.

- Planning for projects and outside events.

- Budgeting and forecasting, including approving payroll and payroll allocation for keeping equipment and irrigation in good working order.

- Hiring, training, and scheduling staff for events & organizing daily work list for staff.

- Managing materials inventory.

- Managing relationships with outside vendors.

- Communicate clearly and work well with fellow employees, coaches, and players.

- Must obtain and maintain proper local fertilizer applicator license within 90 days of hire date and follow all laws and regulations regarding fertilizer use and storage.

- Must have knowledge of USGA sand based rootzones and the management strategies associated with sand based athletic fields at the professional level.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

- Degree in Turfgrass Management is required.

- Preferred 3+ years of experience as a head groundskeeper for athletic fields, with a focus on new field construction, renovation, and grow-in processes for professional baseball fields.

- Management and maintenance experience of collegiate or professional baseball grounds preferred.

- Safely operate and perform maintenance on turf related equipment and machinery.

- Must have high attention to detail and take pride in quality of work.

- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

- Flexibility to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and some holidays.

- Must be able to engage in strenuous activity including lifting up to 75 lbs.

- Capable of working in variable weather conditions including extreme heat, wind and rain showers.

Diamond Baseball Holdings is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for our job opportunities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.