Career Center

Job Description:
Are you looking for a role where you can take pride in maintaining high-quality athletic and recreational fields that support thousands of Cyclones each year? Are you looking for a position that is primarily Monday-Friday, day hours?

If so, Iowa State University Recreation Services is seeking a Turf and Field Management Specialist I to oversee the care and management of approximately 120 acres of outdoor recreational field space, including 30 acres of premium sports turf designed for both competitive and recreational activities.

This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring all turf areas meet high standards of functionality, safety, and visual appeal. With advanced irrigation and lighting systems in place, the Turf and Field Management Specialist will implement strategic maintenance plans that promote turf health, durability, and environmental compliance, supporting long-term facility excellence.

This role contributes directly to a positive patron experience by ensuring outdoor spaces are safe, consistent, and well-maintained for intramurals, sport clubs, and special events.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Turf Grass Management or related field
• Pesticide Applicator certification
• Experience with hands-on operation of turf equipment
• Experience with athletic field care
• Experience with irrigation repair and maintenance

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee the comprehensive care and management of 120 acres of outdoor recreation fields, including 30 acres of premium sports turf.
• Develop and implement operational strategies for maintaining natural grass and synthetic turf, incorporating advanced irrigation and lighting systems.
• Maintain turfgrass health through mowing, fertilization, aeration, irrigation, pest management, and herbicide applications.
• Monitor turf conditions, schedule maintenance cycles, and ensure environmental compliance.
• Prepare and line fields for intramural programs, sport clubs, and special events.
• Oversee and maintain turf-related equipment, including mowers, sprayers, and utility vehicles.
• Collaborate with Rec Services facility operations staff to coordinate field scheduling and long-term turf improvement projects.
• Provide guidance and training to student employees assisting with field and turf operations.

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours to support recreation events and outdoor field schedules. Indoor work is standard during the off-season to ensure comfort and productivity.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

What We Offer – Exceptional Benefits:
Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

• Work/Life Balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025!
• Generous Time Off: 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
• Excellent Health Insurance: Including dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans with Employer Contributions: Choose from multiple plans to secure your future.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development: Opportunities to grow your career.
• Wellness Programs & Work-Life Resources: Including mental health and counseling support.

Explore Iowa State’s Benefits: https://hr.iastate.edu/benefits

About Recreation Services:
Iowa State University Recreation Services provides high-quality recreation opportunities that engage students and the campus community in active lifestyles. With state-of-the-art fitness centers, outdoor fields, aquatics, climbing walls, and more, Rec Services supports the wellbeing and engagement of thousands of Cyclones each year.

Level Guidelines

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students