Athletic Turf Specialist

Function of Job

Under general supervision from a designated supervisor, schedule and perform maintenance work and/or improve growing conditions for natural turf on intercollegiate athletic fields, intramural fields, and other high-intensity turf areas on campus.


A(n) Athletic Turf Specialist typically -

1. performs athletic field grounds maintenance such as mowing, trimming grass, aerating, and applying a top dressing. Applies fertilizers and pesticides according to manufacturer's recommended rates and in compliance with applicable state pesticide regulations;
2. performs periodic inspections of turf areas and provides recommendations for services needed;
3. maintains and performs minor repairs on irrigation systems and inspects for head rotation, water distribution, pressure losses, electric solenoids, controllers, and leaks;
4. develops work schedules for the maintenance of competitive athletic fields on natural turf by coordinating the annual horticultural calendar with the athletic schedule of events;
5. prepares records, reports, and budget recommendations as required;
6. operates and maintains equipment needed for the performance of assigned duties;
7. responsible for the inventory of equipment and supplies used in the designated area;
8. maintains cooperative relationships with persons in charge of other facilities used in connection with sports competitions;
9. reads landscape design plans and prints for athletic fields, prepares layouts, and performs painting and striping of athletic fields;
10. trains subordinates and evaluates completed work as required;
11. performs other related duties as assigned.

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. Any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
   1. Coursework in fields directly related to turf management (such as in the management, maintenance, and operation of recreational areas, facilities, or equipment; diseases and insects; landscape construction; community recreation; plant science; soils; landscape design and management) as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
      • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
      • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
   2. Work experience in the professional maintenance of turf grass.
2. Certification by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a Public Pesticide Operator in technical category area(s) applicable to work assignments of the position to be filled, as required by the Illinois Pesticide Act.
3. Current/valid State of Illinois driver’s license for the type(s) of vehicle(s) to be operated.

1. Knowledge of equipment and tools commonly used for athletic turf maintenance.
2. Knowledge of turf problems relating to cultural practices, diseases, or insect damage.
3. Knowledge of State of Illinois and USEPA regulations regarding pesticide use and storage.
4. Knowledge of irrigation system operations.
5. Skill in the operation, use, and maintenance of athletic turf equipment and tools.
6. Skill in keeping records and writing reports.
7. Ability to diagnose athletic turf problems correctly.
8. Ability to make decisions.
9. Ability to supervise.
10. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
11. Ability to coordinate a horticultural calendar with an athletic events calendar.
12. Ability to shift priorities as weather dictates or as emergencies arise.
13. Ability to perform hard physical labor.
14. Manual dexterity.