Director Athletic Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Athletic Fields provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for South Campus grounds, supporting Division I Athletics and campus landscape services. This role manages daily grounds operations, including planning, resource allocation, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent leads staff, oversees budgets and contracts, and ensures high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible grounds maintenance. Operating with broad independence, this position has significant impact on campus operations, customer satisfaction, and long-term facilities stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and management of athletic fields, campus grounds, and landscape services to ensure safety, playability, and sustainability
• Plan, direct, and oversee major grounds renovation and maintenance projects, including contractor coordination and quality control
• Develop and implement maintenance plans, service standards, and preventive maintenance programs for all assigned areas
• Manage integrated pest management (IPM), irrigation systems, soil health, and turf programs using sustainable practices
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to support efficient and effective operations
• Oversee vendor and contract administration, procurement processes, and service delivery outcomes
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff; oversee hiring, training, performance management, and employee development
• Establish and monitor performance metrics, quality assurance programs, and reporting systems
• Serve as primary liaison to Athletics, Club Sports, and campus stakeholders; ensure high levels of customer service and communication
• Ensure compliance with University, CSU, and regulatory requirements, including safety, environmental, and operational standards

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to plan, implement, and manage complex grounds and athletic field operations
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, irrigation systems, pest management, and turf management
• Working knowledge of sustainable and organic landscape management practices, including IPM and soil health programs
• Ability to interpret plans and manage large-scale landscape and construction projects
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including performance management and team development
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify issues, and implement process improvements
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders and organizational levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to safety, environmental compliance, and pesticide use
• Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and inclusive work environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, a minimum of two years of which are associated with progressively responsible management experience.
• Five years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex, with a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience.
• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management.
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans.
• Experience in grounds maintenance at an NCAA or professional sports environment.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California, or Certified IPM Technician (CIT)
• Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society
• Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices.
• Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCA
• Certified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation Association
• NOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification, or equivalent training in organic land management.
• Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment.
• Experience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methods.
• Experience in grounds services management of a State facility, College or University, or other environment with extensive grounds.
• Experience managing grounds services and operations in a high level NCAA or professional sports environment.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,834/month - $10,834/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

This position is open until filled.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.