Turf Specialist - Public Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Turf Specialist performs skilled work in the maintenance, care, and improvement of natural and artificial turf, landscapes, and grounds at municipal parks, athletic fields, recreation facilities, and public properties. This position ensures safe, high-quality, and visually appealing conditions through turf management, landscape maintenance, and field preparation activities. The position operates specialized equipment, applies approved turf treatments and, provides technical guidance to staff performing treatment applications, as assigned.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Performs maintenance of natural turf areas including mowing, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, topdressing, edging, pest management, and related turf care activities
• Maintains athletic fields, “Grand Lawn” areas, and other high-use recreational spaces to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality playing and event surfaces
• Monitors turf and soil conditions and identifies issues such as disease, compaction, drainage problems, pest infestations, wear patterns, and soil deficiencies; performs or recommends corrective maintenance and treatments as needed
• Conducts and/or reviews soil testing to evaluate nutrient levels, soil composition, and treatment needs for turf and landscaped areas
• Performs turf recovery and restoration following special events, tournaments, heavy or abusive use, or weather-related damage, including divot repair, compaction relief, overseeding, and surface conditioning
• Maintains and improves park turf and common grounds to meet established Town standards for appearance, safety, and usability
• Establishes, maintains, and transitions seasonal turf areas including rye grass or other overseeding programs to ensure year-round field quality and playability
• Maintains artificial turf systems including grooming, brushing, debris removal, cleaning, and infill redistribution to ensure safe playing conditions
• Identifies and reports artificial turf damage, seam separation, drainage issues, or surface deficiencies requiring repair
• Operates turf and landscape equipment including mowers, trimmers, aerators, sprayers, blowers, spreaders, and related tools
• Applies fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pre-emergents, and other approved turf and landscape treatments in accordance with safety procedures, applicable certifications, and state and federal regulations
• Maintains records and logs of chemical applications, inspections, and treatments in accordance with applicable regulations and departmental procedures
• Assists in training and monitoring staff in safe pesticide handling, application procedures, equipment operation, and turf maintenance practices, as assigned
• Assists in turf renovation and improvement projects, including sod installation and restoration of damaged areas
• Prepares facilities and grounds for special events, athletic events, and public use, adjusting maintenance activities as required
• Communicates field conditions, hazards, or maintenance needs to supervisors and appropriate personnel
• Coordinates with irrigation specialist regarding field conditions impacted by watering schedules or system performance
• Ensures equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and reported for repair when necessary
• Performs manual labor in support of departmental operations as required
• Responds to weather-related conditions, emergencies, and urgent maintenance needs
• Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf Management, Turfgrass Science, or Agronomy or related field and
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in athletic field or turf management
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License
• Must have or obtain South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of date of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Sports Field Management Association Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
• Turfgrass management certification from Clemson University, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), or comparable recognized organization

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of turfgrass maintenance, landscaping practices, and athletic field preparation techniques
• Knowledge of sports field safety standards and techniques for maintaining safe, playable athletic surfaces
• Knowledge of soil health, nutrient management, and other practices affecting turfgrass
• Ability to evaluate turf conditions and recommend corrective maintenance or treatments to maintain safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing grounds
• Ability to identify turf diseases, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, drainage concerns, and other conditions affecting turf quality.
• Knowledge of basic irrigation impacts on turf health (coordination-level understanding only)
• Knowledge of safe pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer application practices
• Skill in operating turf and landscape maintenance equipment safely and effectively
• Skill in identifying turf and landscape health issues and implementing corrective actions
• Ability to maintain natural and artificial turf systems to municipal standards
• Ability to follow maintenance schedules and complete assigned work independently
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the public
• Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow safety procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to supervise and manage assigned personnel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work requires frequent moderate to heavy physical exertion, including frequent movement across uneven terrain such as parks, athletic fields, and landscaped areas. The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.

The position requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance. Work requires manual dexterity to operate turf and landscape equipment safely and effectively.

The employee must have adequate visual and auditory ability to inspect field conditions, operate equipment, and communicate effectively. Work is performed primarily outdoors and may involve prolonged work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and sun.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to:

• Assess turf, landscape, irrigation, and field conditions and determine appropriate maintenance or corrective actions.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple work assignments.
• Interpret product labels, safety information, maintenance manuals, and work orders.
• Apply sound judgment when operating equipment and handling chemicals.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, pesticide applications, and maintenance activities.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public.
• Follow written and verbal instructions while adapting to changing priorities, weather conditions, and operational needs.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:     

The work environment includes frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and other inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise from equipment, dust, dirt, fertilizers, herbicides, and other landscape materials.

Work is performed primarily in parks, athletic fields, and municipal grounds, with occasional shop environments. The employee may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency or weather-related events.

The position may require occasional travel within Town limits for job assignments, inspections, or related duties. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to emergencies, system failures, natural disasters, Town special events, or operational needs, including evening, weekend or holiday work assignments, as required.

The employee is subject to being on call to support Town operations.