Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker (Lead Groundsworker)

Position Summary

Join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining world-class athletic and recreational facilities at SDSU. As the Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker, you will lead turf operations and ensure the highest standards of care for both natural and synthetic playing surfaces across campus. This role is essential to supporting SDSU Athletics, Aztec Recreation, and the broader university community.

You will be responsible for the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of athletic fields and landscaped areas, ensuring they are safe, visually appealing, and competition-ready. This includes coordinating field preparations for games and practices, managing turf health, and supervising student crews.

Why You Should Apply

• Be a key player in SDSU Athletics: Support high-profile NCAA sports programs by delivering top-tier field conditions.
• Lead with expertise: Use your turf management knowledge to influence field design, maintenance schedules, and safety protocols.
• Work in a vibrant campus environment: Maintain diverse and beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance student experience.
• Collaborate across departments: Partner with Athletics, Aztec Recreation, and Facilities Services to meet strategic goals.
• Grow your leadership skills: Hire, train, and supervise student crews while contributing to budget planning and policy development.
• Make a visible impact: Your work directly supports athletic performance, campus aesthetics, and community pride.
• Commitment to safety and excellence: Champion best practices in workplace safety, communication, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate turf operations for athletic and recreational fields.
• Manage field preparation for games, practices, and events.
• Conduct turf analysis, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
• Supervise student crews and assist with staffing needs.
• Ensure compliance with SDSU, NCAA, and conference regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-functioning work environment.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Promote safety awareness and implement hazard controls.

Ready to take the field? Apply now and help shape the future of SDSU’s athletic and recreational landscape.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026, with the possibility of reappointment. 
• This position is designated as non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding the Facilities department, click here.

Education and Experience

Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees. General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds; approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication, horticultural methods, and materials; and planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California. 

Ability to lay out, coordinate, and oversee the work of others; provide training, interpret policies and explain methods and procedures; inspect and evaluate the work of others;