Physical Plant - Athletic Grounds Specialist

Cedarville University invites applications for the role of Athletic Grounds Specialist. This is a full-time (2080 annual hours), non-exempt, on-site staff role in the Athletic Grounds Department within the Business Division. 

Under the direction of the Athletic Grounds Supervisor, the Athletic Grounds Specialist performs skilled and unskilled turf and landscape maintenance of all athletic fields. The Athletic Grounds Specialist operates and maintains turf equipment and works with various coaching staff to prepare facilities for games and matches.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Responsible for all turf maintenance projects including:
  • Mowing techniques
  • Understanding of seeding and fertilizer applications
  • Ability to identify weeds and insects in turf
  • Spraying for control of pests and plant diseases
• Repair irrigation systems.
• Operate equipment such as mowers, trenchers, sod cutters, edgers, weed trimmers, aerators, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers, and other necessary equipment.
• Perform maintenance on all grounds equipment including greasing equipment and changing blades.
• Maintain landscape areas.
• Prepare and detail venues for practice sessions, games, meets, and match competitions.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations.
• Assist in the operation of facilities during home events.

Qualifications

• Commercial Applicator Pesticide License either current or anticipated.
• Prior experience operating grounds equipment required. Training procedures required on all equipment and vehicles. Complete list of equipment and training approval maintained on file.
• Prior experience in turf management and athletic field maintenance preferred.
• Skill in working with turf and landscape materials.

General Professional Expectations

• Be in agreement with the Community Covenant and General Workplace Standards of Cedarville University.

Required Mental/Physical Abilities

• Sufficient physical ability to perform manual labor such as installation of sod, lifting 40-pound bags regularly, shoveling dirt, digging trenches, and raking dirt.
• Ability to work well independently or with others with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize duties.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas through spoken communication.
• Ability to perform occasional reaching, carrying, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing on, sitting on, and operating turf equipment.
• Possess a valid Ohio driver license.

Environmental Considerations

• Routine discomforts such as heat, cold, moisture, and wetness.
• This is an outdoor position, and weather conditions often dictate the schedule, including evening or Saturday hours when necessary.
• Occasional exposure to light chemical substances and hazardous conditions.