Job Description:
The Sports Fields Manager, under direction, is responsible for assisting the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Fields in the operations and maintenance of all athletic department playing surfaces and surrounding areas. Assists in the planning, coordinating, and supervising of the Sports Field Coordinators in the day-to-day operations and management of all athletic department sports fields. Aids in the oversight of pre and post-game operations for all outdoor sporting events while providing support to the event management team. Employee will supervise (2 to 4) Sports Field Coordinators and (6 to 14) Student Assistants. Sports and special event coverage as needed, requiring frequent nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill assigned duties.
Qualifications:
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Five years of experience in athletic field management
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Six years of related experience in athletic field management preferably at the collegiate level
- Previous experience managing a staff
Required Licenses and Certifications:
- Must have a Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
- Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to analyze sports field conditions and develop maintenance plans
- Ability to allocate work assignments and/or task responsibilities, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency of self and others
- Ability to analyze problems and develop alternative solutions
- Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
- Ability to think creatively and adapt to frequently changing environments and work requirements
Preferred Licenses and Certifications:
- Certified Sports Field Manager through the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA)
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of athletic field management and construction
- Knowledge of mechanical equipment and irrigation systems
Familiarity with and ability to use various power tools - Excellent communication skills and be able to clearly communicate project goals to all members of team
- Knowledge of NCAA and SEC Conference rules and regulations
Responsibilities:
- Sports Field Management Operations – Provides oversight of the management and maintenance of all sports fields and surrounding areas. Oversees Sports Field Coordinators in the development and implementation of fertility, irrigation, pesticide, and practice schedules. Prioritizes the daily management needs for all sports fields and coordinates the maintenance implementation through the Sports Field staff. Serves as a liaison to administrators, coaches, and staff concerning work on playing surfaces and landscape areas in the absence of the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Fields. Assists in the scheduling of all sports fields and adjacent areas. Works with coaches, staff, and external user groups to plan, develop, and coordinate events. Manages regular inspections of playing surfaces and facilities for cleanliness, orderliness, maintenance, and safety. Assists in the management, maintenance, and organization of sports field maintenance equipment. Serves as after-hours contact for assigned venues. Aids in the development of programs in support of the Athletic Department to determine field maintenance needs and ensure that all playing surfaces are safe and functional for teams, coaches, and player’s needs. Supports and advises the Sports Field Coordinators to determine priority and needs for respective fields as needed. Duties require the use of a University vehicle.
- Event/Game Day Sports Field Management – Oversees game day field management for assigned sports field surfaces, including field preparation and setup as well as breakdown, clean-up, and repair following events. Serves as “on-call” field manager for assigned athletic events, assisting with field, operations, and venue-related in-game management. Coordinates with Sports Field Coordinators to ensure that all sports field surfaces are prepared for practices, competitions, and other scheduled events. Assists Venue Operations, Event Management, and Special Events departments with needs as necessary. Duties require the use of a University vehicle.
- General Administration – Assists the Asst. Athletics Director for Sports Fields in the management of four (4) full-time sports field coordinators and 6-14 student assistants, including hiring, training, scheduling as well as daily oversight of their tasks. Coordinates field access as needed for all sports field surfaces. Oversees inventory and organization of maintenance supplies needed for all sports fields and coordinates the ordering of new supplies through the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Fields. Aids in fleet management for all sports field maintenance equipment. Assists as needed in the maintenance coordination and management of the athletic department utility vehicle fleet. Serves as the liaison for the Sports Field Department to Athletics and University administration as well as all other internal and external parties in the absences of Asst. Athletics Director for Sports Fields. Assists in the oversight and management of all external contracts as they pertain to the sports field surfaces. Coordinates with SSC grounds for the implementation of contracted services for irrigation, landscape, & grounds maintenance. Evaluate individual members of the staff and provide constructive feedback to continue professional growth and development. Assists with budget management and planning for the Sports Fields department. Duties require the use of a University vehicle.
- Projects – Coordinates the maintenance of outside areas as needed. Assists with all departmental projects as needed.
- Compliance – Maintains continual and thorough familiarity with all applicable NCAA, Southeastern Conference, and Texas A&M University rules and regulations. Works to establish and ensure communication and enforcement of rules and regulations for all staff members and student workers supervised. Compliance is a shared responsibility.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
