Operations Manager, Grounds & Maintenance | Full-Time | Tsongas Center (UMass - Lowell)

Oak View Group:

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Position Summary:

Oak View Group is seeking a motivated and experienced Operations Manager, Grounds & Maintenance to oversee grounds operations at LeLacheur Park while supporting facility maintenance operations across Oak View Group's UMass Lowell venues, including the Tsongas Center. This leadership position is responsible for maintaining championship-level athletic fields, coordinating facility maintenance activities, supervising seasonal and event operations staff, and supporting snow removal operations across OVG-managed properties. Working closely with the Director of Facilities and the Maintenance Technician, this position plays a key role in ensuring all venues are maintained in a safe, clean, and professional condition while supporting year-round operations, athletic events, concerts, and community programming.

This role will pay a yearly salary of $55,000 to $65,000

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until October 16, 2026.

About the Venue:

Managed by Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in venue management and live experiences, UMass Lowell's premier venues include the Tsongas Center and LeLacheur Park. Together, these facilities host NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, concerts, family shows, graduations, community events, and premier baseball, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests each year while delivering first-class experiences through operational excellence and exceptional service.

Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee all grounds maintenance operations for LeLacheur Park, ensuring a safe, professional, and championship-quality playing surface for NCAA baseball, Futures League competition, and other venue events.

Manage all aspects of athletic field preparation and maintenance, including turf management, infield clay, irrigation systems, weather response, tarp deployment, protective netting, landscaping, and operation of grounds equipment.

Support facility maintenance operations across Oak View Group-managed properties at UMass Lowell, including LeLacheur Park and Tsongas Center, by working alongside the Director of Facilities, Maintenance Technician, and other members of the operations department to perform preventative maintenance, repairs, event conversions, and general building upkeep.

Coordinate and support event operations by preparing venues for athletic events, concerts, commencements, and community programming while maintaining a safe, clean, and operational environment before, during, and after events.

Lead snow and ice removal operations for Oak View Group properties at UMass Lowell, including planning, equipment operation, staffing, and weather response to ensure safe facility access during winter conditions.

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise seasonal grounds and operations staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional customer service while ensuring appropriate staffing for athletic seasons and special events.

Coordinate maintenance activities, work orders, contractor services, and operational priorities to maximize facility readiness while minimizing disruptions to scheduled events and campus activities.

Maintain and operate grounds and maintenance equipment, oversee inventories of tools and supplies, and ensure compliance with safety standards, preventative maintenance programs, and Oak View Group operating procedures.

Serve as a key operational liaison with UMass Lowell Athletics, OVG Staff and Lowell Spinners, contractors, vendors, event managers, and Oak View Group leadership to support the successful execution of daily operations and special events.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of Oak View Group's venue operations, facilities, and event management objectives.

Qualifications:

3–5 years of experience in grounds management, facility maintenance, venue operations, or a related field.

Experience in maintaining athletic fields, preferably collegiate or professional sports venues, is strongly preferred.

Working knowledge of building maintenance systems, landscaping, irrigation, and maintenance equipment.

Supervisory or crew leadership experience preferred.

Ability to operate tractors, utility vehicles, commercial mowers, skid steers, snow removal equipment, field maintenance machines, and other maintenance equipment.

Ability to operate or obtain certification to operate lifts

Valid driver's license required.

Ability to lift heavy objects and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and respond to operational emergencies when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree or certification in Turf Management, Facilities Management, Horticulture, Building Maintenance, or a related field.

Experience with NCAA athletic facilities, stadium operations, or entertainment venues.

Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and preventative maintenance programs.

CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain it.

Ideal Candidate

Strong leadership and organizational skills.

Exceptional attention to detail and pride in maintaining first-class facilities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

A proactive, hands-on management style.

Commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

Flexibility to support multiple venues and diverse event schedules.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:

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.