Turf Management Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Description Under general supervision of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the employee is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the City's athletic fields and surrounding areas. The employee will develop, implement, and coordinate short and long-range plans pertaining to the athletic fields and turf maintenance program to include all aspects of irrigation and irrigation systems, weed control, fertilization, turf development, turf repair, turf renovation, grass cutting, cutting procedures, soil testing, field drainage, landscaping, infield preparation, and construction for the City's athletic fields. The employee will prepare and line fields for the City's recreation programs, local high school programs, and local college programs.

The employee may also operate heavy equipment used in field construction and maintenance projects. The employee maintains a supply inventory and prepares material requisitions as needed. This job classification is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

Essential Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Athletic Field Maintenance.

Employee develops and implements plans for the successful maintenance of all City athletic fields and grounds. Plans, oversees, and manages major athletic grounds and fields renovation projects, as assigned; schedules, facilitates, oversees, and quality controls activities, including the work of external contractors. Maintains a logbook for each field to document all maintenance actions.

Inspects playground equipment and athletic fields for proper maintenance and adherence to prescribed safety standards. Maintains field grass, mows using specialized turf tractor or push mowers, edges, aerates, top dresses, sprays insecticides, fungicides and herbicides; applies fertilizer to enhance turf growth. Prepares athletic fields by striping and marking appropriately.

Supervises the conversion and protection of athletic fields during special events. Restores fields damaged by weather, use, or other conditions to a level commensurate with that expected the City's athletic programs. Operates irrigation system; manages and reviews irrigation systems performance and initiates changes when necessary.

Conducts repairs on irrigation systems. Develops budgets related to athletic fields and grounds and submits for inclusion in Departmental budget. Estimates materials for projects; develops purchase orders for approval.

Purchases, maintains, and manages inventory of athletic field maintenance equipment and supplies. Uses CAD programs for designing field graphics and other designs. Operates heavy equipment (backhoe, front end loader, bobcat, roller, tractor) to maintain athletic and recreation fields.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Other Duties. The employee performs other duties to assist in the effective and efficient operation of the Department. Performs construction repairs and maintenance tasks, such as painting and carpentry work.

Performs basic concrete repair and installation work. Maintains recreation park facilities; picks up litter, empties trash cans. Maintains ball field lighting.

Transports equipment and materials. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned. Minimum Qualifications Possess a high school diploma or GED; college coursework in athletic field maintenance is preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in sports and athletic field maintenance; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job. Possess a current and valid driver's license; must be insurable; Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B) preferred. Ability to obtain turf management certification within a defined time.

Ability to work non-standard hours. Ability to travel throughout the City to various recreation centers. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screening.

Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (* Can be acquired on the job) *Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Knowledge of City geography and park locations. Knowledge of procedures and techniques for preparing various athletic fields to required standards.

Knowledge of dimensions and proper care for playing fields. Knowledge of simple hand tools and their use. Knowledge of retail purchasing and inventory control principles and procedures.

Knowledge of turf management and maintenance. Knowledge of sports field irrigation systems. Knowledge of pest management guidelines and standards.

Knowledge of operation and maintenance of lawn care equipment, including edger, weed eater, zero turn, bush hog, etc. Knowledge of heavy equipment operation. Knowledge of basic budgeting.

Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Project management skills and the ability to resolve problems and issues.

Reading skills to comprehend operator manuals, directives, procedures and instructions. Verbal skills to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers. Writing skills to clearly and neatly complete routine forms and records.

Math skills to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) for field marking and maintenance. Skill in operating heavy equipment and hand tools. Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Ability to identify turf pests and institute turfgrass maintenance and treatment. Ability to manage and coordinate the work of technical consultants and/or contractors.

Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner. Ability to operate heavy equipment.

Ability to use and operate power and hand equipment. Ability to use test equipment. Ability to multi-task and organize.

Ability to use computers and office productivity software. Ability to use two-way communication devices. Ability to troubleshoot problems and issues.

Ability to use measuring devices. Ability to wear designated uniform and safety equipment. Ability to lift and carry heavy items and equipment.

Ability to handle stressful situations. Ability to drive. Physical Demands The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas, and defending oneself or others from physical attack

Work Environment The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g. working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled.