TURF SPECIALIST

Position Summary 

The Turf Specialist is responsible for the maintenance, safety, appearance, and playability of athletic fields, parks, landscaped areas, and recreational facilities. This position supports the mission of the public agency by providing exceptional stewardship of public assets and delivering quality recreational experiences to the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Inspect fields and park grounds daily to identify safety hazards; correct minor hazards immediately and report major hazards to the supervisor without delay.
• Perform turf management activities including fertilization, aeration, seeding, topdressing, and pesticide applications.
• Operate and maintain turf equipment, vehicles, tools, and irrigation systems.
• Prepare athletic fields and recreational facilities for practices, games, tournaments, and community events.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and chemical applications in accordance with state regulatory requirements.
• Respond to emergencies and urgent facility needs, including storm damage cleanup, irrigation failures, and game-day incidents.
• Maintain required pesticide applicator licensure through continuing education and training as needed.
• Communicate maintenance concerns and field conditions to supervisors in a timely manner and promote excellent public service.
• Perform work independently or as part of a crew, following direction

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Knowledge of: turfgrass management, irrigation systems, athletic field maintenance, equipment operation, and safe pesticide application practices, including the ability to read and interpret pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS).

Minimum Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Possession of Louisiana Category 3 Turf and Ornamental Pesticide Applicator License.
• 1+ years of relevant turf, grounds, or landscape maintenance experience preferred.

Physical & Working Conditions 

• Ability to lift up-to 50 pounds and perform frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, and pulling. 
• Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and precipitation, and may involve exposure to chemicals, dust, pollen, and noise. 
• Position may require evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency response.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The above is intended to describe the content of and requirements of the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Recreation District #1 of St. Tammany reserves the right to change, add, or delete at any time from this job description to meet the need of the organization.

At Pelican Park, we firmly believe in the power of unity. When we come together, as One Team, we create a safe space where every individual and every effort matters. Whether you're a visitor or part of our Team, we all share in the overall success of this incredible park and programs. Let’s grow, connect, and thrive together because we are all part of something bigger.