Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist
Florida Gulf Coast University
Job Summary
The Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist is responsible for
maintenance and care of the fields and surrounding grounds at the
Outdoor Athletic Complexes. Key responsibilities include preparing
and maintaining athletic fields, performing routine equipment
upkeep, and assisting with the application of fertilizers and other
turf care chemicals. The Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay
Specialist may also provide support and direction to part-time
temporary workers (OPS), including students, to ensure tasks are
completed efficiently and in accordance with established
standards.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and
collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others
and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive
action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation,
accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home
here.
Job Description
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
- Works with Athletics grounds team in planning, coordinating,
and managing athletic turf and surrounding grounds.
Performs daily sports turf maintenance, including mowing,
edging, weeding, trimming, and trash/debris removal to ensure safe,
visually appealing athletic environments.
Facilitates and executes all game day and event preparation for
designated competitions, including baseball, softball, and soccer,
ensuring all operational tasks are completed and events run
smoothly.
Prepares and maintains baseball and softball fields including
dragging, watering, lining, chalking, painting clay infields and
foul lines, and setting bases in accordance with NCAA, ASUN
Conference, and university standards.
Maintains field conditions by mowing outfields, edging
baselines, sifting and applying clay, and rebuilding pitching
mounds, bullpens, and home plates.
Assists in offseason and emergency field renovations to include
grading, clay service, sodding and irrigation repairs
Conducts daily inspections to assess field conditions, identify
issues, and ensure compliance with university and athletic
standards.
Oversees irrigation systems to maintain proper moisture levels
on grass and clay infield surfaces.
Communicates daily tasks to temporary and student workers and
offers guidance to support safe and efficient work completion.
Maintains and services groundskeeping tools and equipment.
Ensures proper waste and recycling collection in alignment with
university standards.
Applies fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides according to
prepared schedule; maintains turf health and performs plant
installation and tree/shrub pruning.
Assists with policy and procedure updates to improve the
efficiency of operations for Athletics Grounds Maintenance.
Ensures all maintenance activities are performed in compliance
with University, ASUN Conference, and NCAA rules.
Other Duties:
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
- This position requires a high school diploma and one year of
full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
- Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience,
and/or certifications may be considered.
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience working in facility, turf, or grounds
maintenance and familiarity with reel mowers and other necessary
grounds equipment.
- Pesticide and Herbicide Application License.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges
with creativity.
- Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and
holding oneself accountable.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively
across teams.
- Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
- Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and
complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
- Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with
co-workers, university staff, students, vendors, and the general
public.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively with the community
and willing to contribute to a team effort.
- Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends to include game
nights and holidays as needed.
- Willing to work outside in extreme temperatures and
weather.
- Ability to lift at least 60 lbs.
Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for
feedback and new ideas.
- Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work;
persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve
deliverables.
- Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships
across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to
achieve common goals.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal
Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or
protected veteran status.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.fgcu.edu/jobs/athletics-grounds-turf-clay-specialist-fort-myers-florida-united-states
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