Athletics Field Lead Groundsworker

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a skilled and dedicated Athletic Fields Lead Groundsworker to manage turf operations and oversee the maintenance of both natural and artificial sports surfaces for intercollegiate athletics and recreational activities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest quality playing surfaces for SDSU Athletics and Aztec Recreation while maintaining a clean, vibrant, and inviting campus environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage turf operations for athletic fields and surrounding areas, ensuring proper maintenance and preparation.
• Perform preventative maintenance, repairs, and improvements on turf, grounds, and landscapes.
• Assess field and weather conditions to deliver top tier playing surfaces through expert planning and execution, including species selection, mowing, aeration, line painting, and more.
• Oversee grounds and equipment schedules, assist in developing policies, and recommend products and procedures.
• Support staffing needs by hiring, training, and supervising student crews.
• Contribute to budget preparation and ensure adherence to SDSU, Mountain West Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and NCAA regulations.
• Cultivate and maintain planted areas across campus, ensuring year-round beauty, pest control, and weed removal.

What We Expect:

• Provide detailed and accurate accounting of time and materials while maintaining a clean, safe workspace.
• Deliver projects timely and with consistent quality, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction and exceeding expectations.
• Foster a positive and cooperative working relationship across the department and campus community through respectful communication and professional conduct.
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace safety by implementing procedures, conducting hazard assessments, and promoting a safe environment.

This is an opportunity to showcase your expertise, contribute to a thriving athletics department, and play a vital role in enhancing SDSU's campus environment. Apply now and be part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation!

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; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work. 

Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.

Key Qualifications<