Sr. Grounds Technician – Athletics NB – Range 16 JCC 10976

Scope and Function Under limited direction, ensures the safety of athletic fields and facilities across multiple sports (e.g., football, baseball, soccer, track, tennis, etc.) for both indoor and outdoor environments. Assesses field conditions and turf health, remediate diseases, and provides diversified maintenance to ensure the safety of Division I players while performing on high-quality playing athletic surfaces. May perform other duties as assigned.

DUTIES: Scout and evaluate all athletic fields and landscapes; ensures adherence to all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), and international regulations. Implements Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Best Management Practices (BMP) for all sand based athletic fields including soil nutrient levels, soil moisture levels, disease pressure. Applies chemicals and fertilizer (complying with NJDEP and EPA regulations).

Read and understand blueprint and field painting diagrams for all sports. Understands best management practices to maintain sand-based fields throughout the growing season; performs soil sampling and tissue testing. Operates and maintains machinery including slice seeder, aerator, rototiller, tractor, reel mowers, rotary mowers, trimmers, top dressers, core harvester, snow removal and field painting and irrigation equipment. Lead, guide and instruct temporary employees and student workers to assist all functions as assigned by their supervisor.

Maintains fields and facilities for athletic events including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, field hockey, track and field and tennis. Erects, moves and repairs athletic equipment such as flooring, goals, benches, stages and seating.

Performs related duties as required.

Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent plus three years of experience in natural turf maintenance in a sports environment or one year college-level agriculture courses plus two years of golf turf management experience. Requires a valid driver’s license, two years driving experience and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course. Requires a NJ Pesticide Applicator License Category 3B – Turf; must be obtained, at the expense of the employee, within 90 days of employment. This position requires drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal law. Must have the ability to read, write and speak English as commensurate with job duties. Must be able to read diagrams and blueprints and prepare fields in accordance with specifications. Working knowledge of multi-sport field painting, field layout, measurement, and field preparation for events. Proficiency in web-based irrigation software.