Athletic Fields Groundskeeper II

Job Summary
Maintains athletic fields, intramural fields, band fields, practice fields and grounds as needed by performing skilled grounds repair and upkeep tasks. This position requires night and weekend work and flexible scheduling due to sporting event schedules and the impact of weather conditions on job duties.  This position is considered essential and could require storm duty.

 
Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participates in the preparation and maintenance of athletic fields and grounds within guidelines and standards set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Sun Belt Conference and the department.
2. Maintains athletic fields and grounds and prepares fields for events by performing turf-grass management practices including: mowing, painting, edging, laying sod, verti-cutting, aerifying, topdressing, overseeding and infield skin maintenance.
3. Trims and edges around walks, flower beds, and walls using clippers and edging tools; prunes shrubs and hedges to shape and improve growth; rakes and removes leaves.
4. Mow lawns and fields using zero-turn mowers, reel mowers, power equipment or tractors equipped with attachments.
5. Participates in preparing sports fields for scheduled camps, practices and game events.
6. Follows established safety procedures including proper equipment calibration, PPE requirements and equipment maintenance.
7. Properly sets irrigation timers, repairs broken pipes, valves, replaces broken heads, and repairs damaged irrigation wires and drainage systems.
8. Keeps inventory of all irrigation parts, fittings, supplies and tools.
9. Performs routine weed, insect and disease inspections and treatments for assigned areas. Schedules and safely apply herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to control weed and pest populations. Applies granular and liquid fertilizer to turf and ornamentals. Prepares and mixes chemicals according to specific formulas and regulations.
10. Safely stores chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Keeps MSDS book up to date and accessible to all staff. Ensure chemical storage, transportation and disposal follows regulations.
11. Keeps accurate records of all fertilizer and pesticide applications.
12. Participates in the maintenance of assigned areas and in the daily picking up of limbs, trash and debris.
13. Participates in the service, maintenance and repair of tractors, mowers, edgers, spray equipment, string trimmers, backpack blowers, and other grounds equipment.
14. Occasionally supervises crews for game events and special projects.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.