Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement plans, policies, and procedures for successful maintenance of all athletic fields (natural & artificial) and athletic grounds on Franz River Campus.
- Manage budget for field maintenance, equipment and supplies for all athletic fields.
- Purchase, maintain, and manage inventory of Athletic field maintenance equipment and supplies for all athletic fields.
- Communicate and present recommendations of short and long term needs to Senior Associate Athletic Director of Business Operations and Vice President of Athletics.
- Ensure adherence to relevant regulations, guidelines and standards for NCAA Division I athletic fields.
- Plan and execute all cultural practices for Athletic fields; including mowing, fertilizing, aeration, topdressing, etc.
- Management of irrigation systems of Athletic fields.
- Collaborate and maintain key relationships with the following stakeholders: Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Baseball, Track head coaches to determine optimal playing conditions and execute a plan to achieve these targets.
- Assistant Athletics Director of Equipment and Operations regarding facility scheduling and operational needs.
- University of Portland Facilities Services employees including Grounds Manager, Director of Facility Services, Assistant Director of Facility Services regarding broader campus issues.
- Director of Recreation and Intramurals to determine optimal field conditions for club and intramural practices and competitions.
- Assist in management and coordination of work by technical consultants and/or contractors.
- Work with third party clients, community members, or friends of the University of Portland who rent athletic fields.
- Responsible for supervision and training of Athletic Field Specialist, seasonal and/or student employees. Supervisory responsibilities include participation in: hiring processes; setting of clear and measurable expectations; departmental communications with employees; training, development, and mentorship; performance management and evaluations; and advisement of any necessary disciplinary processes, including termination of employment, to the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Business Operations or designee.
- Manage, monitor and record in-house and/or contracted maintenance performed to all artificial surfaces in accordance with manufacturer’s warranty specifications (repairs, blowing, sweeping, dragging, etc.)
- May be required to drive student athletes and/or other University personnel to practice, games or other functions.
- Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Requirements:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
- Preferred: Degree or Certification in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, or equivalent discipline.
- Desired: 5 years of relevant experience including soccer specific turf management at collegiate or professional level/grounds or golf experience.
- Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
Certificates and Licenses Required
- Required: Oregon State Commercial Pesticide Applicator license or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
- Required: Valid driver’s license.
- Desired: Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent attention to detail, with ability to replicate and maintain high quality standards across all aspects of the job.
- Excellent ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Excellent planning and project management skills.
- Excellent problem solving skills. Proactive in identifying, preventing, and resolving issues.
- Excellent leadership skills and ability to coordinate/manage small teams.
- Ability to work independently but also to constructively receive supervisory direction and work effectively in a team setting.
- Strong orientation towards continued learning, retention and applying learning in the work setting.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Effective conflict resolution skills.
- Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Ability to work effectively with various constituencies including students, the general public, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and other members of the UP community.
- Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
- Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn NCAA (or other sport governing body) rules and regulations applicable to athletic fields and grounds.
- Knowledge of current federal, state, and local laws or ordinances effecting the management of athletic fields and grounds.
- Experience with budget preparation and management.
- Ability to use computers, technology, software, and applications at the level of sophistication required for the duties of this position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office and the internet.
- Experience with operation of professional turfgrass maintenance specific equipment (Toro, John Deere, Redexim, etc.) including but not limited to utility carts, zero-turn mowers, reel mowers, aerators, top dressers.
- Experience operating manual transmission. Complete list of equipment will be provided.
- Experience of vehicle & equipment maintenance including but not limited to proper cleaning, checking/changing oil, adding and mixing proper fuels, checking tire pressure & inflation procedures, sharpening & changing mower blades, etc.
- Ability to perform and understand basic turfgrass mathematics and calibration procedures.
