Athletic Field Groundskeeper


Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade: S06
Job Code: 8132

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to jobs.ou.edu and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are designed to outline the general functions and typical responsibility levels associated with positions in this classification. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of specific duties or requirements for individual positions assigned to this classification.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Position Summary:
Maintains athletic fields creating safe, high quality playing surfaces for football, baseball, softball, soccer, and practice fields. Responsible for performing daily duties assigned by the director that are both scheduled and unscheduled that will include but not limited to mowing, trimming, edging, waterings, aerifying, verticutting, topdressing, irrigation programing, painting, and adherence to the Athletics Department and University policies as well as NCAA and Conference rules and Regulations.
 
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
·        Assists in maintenance programing for irrigation, seeding, weeds control, turf repair, sod removal, renovation and installation
·        Reports and addresses field issues such as turf stress, disease, wear areas, etc
·        Safely apply fertilizer and pesticides with various hand and power spray equipment
·        Identifies insects, diseases, weeds and/or organisms or elements attacking plant material and take the appropriate steps to eradicate the problem
·        Prepares athletic fields (e.g. drag/layout/line fields, repairing rodent damage, divots, etc.) for the purpose of providing adequate, attractive and safe areas for assemblies, recreational activities, athletic events, practices and/or games.
·        Safely operate university owned vehicles
·        Ensures safe use of all equipment as well as handling maintenance requests and conduct preventative maintenance of equipment
·        Picks up and removes litter and debris in and around all Athletic Facilities
·        Mows, sods, topdress, aerates, trimming, pruning, and brush fields this may also include water fields, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering tanks
·        Conducts field painting to include logos, game lines, painting field layout numbers, hash marks, and borders of our athletic fields for practices, recruiting events, and games. 
·        Maintains supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
·        Maintains safe and clean environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations
·        Prunes and trims trees, shrubs, and hedges and performs other duties as assigned
· Assist with open/close gates during severe weather, apply ice melt and for snow removal, and to assist with any other cold weather issues for their specific assigned fields


Minimum Requirements:

Education:

·        High School Diploma 

Preferred: 
·        Associates Degree in Sports Turfgrass Management
·        2 years of experience in field maintenance/management with a Minor League Baseball and/or NCAA Division 1 baseball or softball team

Experience:

1 years of athletic fields or grounds maintenance experience

Certifications or Licenses:

·        Valid state driver¿s license to drive university vehicles or obtain one within 30 days of hire date

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Items listed here should mirror the duties listed above and any soft skills needed to be successful in the job. Avoid jargon or initials and define abbreviations
·        Ability to operate all necessary equipment pertaining to athletic field maintenance (power equipment such as: reel mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, blowers, trimmers, top dressers, aerators, verti-cutters, Bobcat etc)
·        Basic math skills
·        Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
·        Knowledge of routine grounds maintenance procedures or athletic field maintenance
·        Ability to maintain simple record-keeping operations
·        Familiar with operation vehicles or powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, work truck, sod cutters
·        Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
·        Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.
·        Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
·        Must have a valid driver license
·        Ability to mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders


Working Conditions:

·        Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently throughout assigned shift unassisted including with the ability to load and unload supplies into a truck bed
·        Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays required
·        Possible exposure to fumes and chemicals
·        Exposure to various degrees of outdoor weather conditions, including but not limited to, extreme heat and cold or rain
·        Must be able to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling, squatting, and walking for extended periods of time
·        May require occasional travel to away sport contests
·    May be designated as an essential position during emergency closures 
·    May be required to remain on campus overnight during weather or other emergencies