What are the responsibilities and job description for the Turf and Athletic Specialist position at Calvin University?
Job Title: Turf and Athletic Specialist
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Grounds
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Grounds
SUMMARY
The Turf and Athletic Specialist is responsible for maintaining Calvin University's outdoor athletic venues and managing the campus's green spaces. This includes turf grass management, event preparation, and contributing to sustainable, environmentally conscious practices. The role involves collaboration with athletic staff and general grounds maintenance to ensure a safe, attractive, and well-maintained campus.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Athletic Venue Maintenance: Oversee the upkeep of outdoor athletic facilities, including mowing, fertilizing, lining, aeration, irrigation, and event preparation/cleanup. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends during the spring and fall athletic seasons.
- Collaboration with Athletics: Work closely with the Athletics Department staff, coaches, and student-athletes to ensure optimal use of athletic venues while maintaining high standards of safety, playability, and aesthetics.
- Event Coordination: Assist in planning and executing major athletic events, including NCAA playoffs, regional, and national competitions, working with Grounds staff, Athletic staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Turf Health Management: Maintain and improve campus turf health through proper fertilization, pesticide applications, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), implementing sustainable practices that reflect the college's Creation Care values.
- Irrigation System Management: Assist with operating and maintaining the campus-wide irrigation system, including programming central control systems, maintaining large pumping systems, and performing installation and repair tasks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Support compliance with state-mandated record-keeping, safety protocols, inventory management, and budgeting, as directed.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operate, maintain, and repair grounds equipment, including tractors, dump trucks, and front-end loaders, contributing to equipment fleet upkeep.
- Emergency Response: Be on call for snow removal, severe weather, or other emergencies as needed.
Other duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position co-supervises student workers, part-time workers, and occasionally directs full-time Grounds employees. The Turf and Athletic Specialist will also manage and oversee contractors and vendors on related projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the qualifications below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in turf grass management, agronomy, or related fields.
- Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of related experience, including experience with collegiate athletics and irrigation system repair, installation, and maintenance.
- Specialized Knowledge: Strong understanding of turf management practices, systems, and procedures.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Technical Skills: Advanced computer and technical proficiency, with a general working knowledge of best practices in electrical and plumbing trades.
- Equipment Operation: Skilled in the safe and efficient operation, repair, and maintenance of heavy equipment such as tractors, dump trucks, and front-end loaders.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License in categories 3A, 3B, and 6.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Michigan CDL B driver’s license.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, visitors, and stakeholders, employing tact and professionalism.
- Competency in reading blueprints, diagrams, and schematics.
- May handle confidential information occasionally.
COMPLEXITY
- Capable of following detailed written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions.
- Able to handle standardized tasks while addressing multiple variables.
ACCOUNTABILITY
This position has the authority to take actions or make recommendations that impact procedures, processes, and practices across departments, with necessary approvals.
DECISION MAKING/JUDGMENT
- Requires independent judgment in prioritizing and organizing tasks to achieve results.
- While some tasks follow established procedures, the role demands frequent problem-solving and decision-making.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Regularly interacts with employees and customers, addressing routine matters with occasional supervision. Uses information and expertise to influence outcomes and resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here represent those required to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
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Physical Requirements:
- Walking or standing for extended periods.
- Lifting/carrying objects up to 20 lbs frequently, and over 20 lbs occasionally.
- Pushing or pulling carts, dollies, etc.
- Climbing ladders or scaffolding as needed.
- Driving vehicles on public roads.
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Work Environment:
- Frequent exposure to undesirable conditions such as drafts, noise, or varying temperatures.
- Work in confined or uncomfortable spaces may be required.
- Potential exposure to chemicals and substances that require caution to avoid injury.
- Operation of heavy equipment and performance of hazardous duties where caution is critical.
On-Call Requirement
- This position will require occasional on-call availability during emergency situations or adverse weather conditions.
FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT
1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.
