Career Center

Position Type: Professional / Unclassified

Department: LSUAM Athletics – Ops – FG – MG – Grounds (Jon M Pfeifer (00001636))

Work Location: 0100 Athletic Physical Plant Office

Pay Grade: Professional

Job Description:
As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, LSU Athletics acknowledges the impacts of implicit bias and structural inequity that can impede the creation of a vibrant and representative workforce. We recognize the benefits of diverse perspectives in leadership and of equity in the distribution of organizational resources and opportunities. Therefore, we are committed to eliminating barriers to create a better future for our employees, partners and community. To the fair consideration, employment, retention and advancement of qualified applicants, we welcome the unique contributions that individuals bring in terms of their education, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, spirituality, socio-economic status, ability, family status, veteran’s status, experiences, opinions, and ideas.  Forever LSU.

The Sports Turf Manager is an essential professional position that is responsible for safety and sustainability of approximately 21 acres of competition and practice natural turfgrass playing fields, in addition to 3 acres of synthetic surface practice fields. Additionally, this position is tasked with the maintenance and oversight of approximately 10 acres of manicured landscape which is maintained by both in-house staff as well as contractors.

65% Directs the day-to-day operation of the Sports Turf maintenance crew in activities generally associated with athletic turf care/maintenance which include but are not limited to; mowing, preparation of game/practice surfaces to comply with NCAA regulations and individual head coach preferences, string trimming, edging, hardscape maintenance, turf blowing and/or vacuuming, general clean up and litter removal, irrigation/drainage repairs and installation, pruning and weeding of landscape, oversight of repair/replacement of turfgrass including sodding, topdressing, verti-cutting, aerification, and seeding, infield skin and warning track maintenance.

15% Prioritize and plan soil testing to ensure overall turf fertility and health are maintained. Performs weekly inspections of athletic fields to ensure safe and sustainable fields for use. Application of pesticides for overall turf health and aesthetic appearance. Communicates with department admin. regarding crew performance, and develops seasonal plans for care of assigned areas.

10% Oversees preventative maintenance of assigned equipment as well as advising department administration on potential purchases and additions to the equipment fleet. Takes a proactive communication approach with his subordinates and other shop personnel to ensure work is completed and deadlines are met.

5% Responsible for aiding LSU Operations staff in event operations specific to their assigned facility/sport. This can include but not be limited to management of internal facility maintenance, custodial and grounds staff as well as outside contract services such as event management security personnel or post event cleanup/custodial services.

5% Oversees personnel discipline, safety training, performance evaluations, and other administrative functions as required. Makes recommendations for personnel changes and needs, as well as interviewing prospective employees; Advances and supports LSU and Athletics Department diversity and inclusion initiatives through personal participation in educational and developmental opportunities, as well as participation in the creation of an inclusive culture consistent with the values of LSU and its Athletics Department; Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management, Agronomy/Plant Soil System or related field. Five years experience in a related field. Three years of supervisory experience. Valid driver’s license.

Special or Physical Requirements
Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Job requires occasional lifting of objects up to 50 lbs., must infrequently be able to lift containers weighing 100 lbs. Physical effort is required to lift containers of chemicals and supplies up to 100 lbs. n accordance with University PS-18, this position is considered essential and may be required to report or stay on campus in the event of emergency or closure. Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to drug/alcohol testing in accordance with University PS 67. Pre-employment physical required.

Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire.

Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

Posting Date: July 17, 2024

Closing Date: August 1, 2024

Additional Position Information:
Background Check – An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits – LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N): Y

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and SAME Agency:
LSU is designated as a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials. For those seeking such accommodations or assistance related to this search, we encourage you to contact the Office of Human Resource Management (hr@lsu.edu).

HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.  For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.