Assistant Groundskeeper - Natural (cool season), Hybrid & Artificial Turf

Portland Timbers; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland Timbers is seeking a detail-oriented Skilled Assistant Groundskeeper to support the Timbers Performance Center in Beaverton, OR. The role focuses on maintaining multiple elite pitches to ensure top playing surfaces for all teams.

The ideal candidate has turfgrass science training or equivalent experience, with hands-on skills in mowing, fertilizing, aeration, seeding, irrigation, and equipment upkeep. A non-traditional schedule and pre-employment screenings are possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level turfgrass knowledge or certification with industry experience.
• Experience with cool-season grasses and hybrid systems.
• Ability to operate and maintain turf maintenance equipment.
• Experience applying fertilizers and pesticides with proper calibration.
• Irrigation systems knowledge and basic repair skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and non-traditional schedules.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining two natural grass/hybrid fields and one artificial field.
• Mow, edge, fertilize, aerate, top-dress, overseed, re-sod, and stripe lines.
• Collaborate on an IPM plan emphasizing fertility and cultural practices.
• Collect and log pitch performance data and disease forecasts.
• Coordinate with Soccer Operations and maintenance staff.
• Maintain grounds equipment and assist with exterior landscaping and winter duties.

Skills

Turfgrass science

IPM plan development

Pesticide application

Irrigation system maintenance

Equipment maintenance

Outdoor physical work

Education

B.S. in Turfgrass Science

Agronomy training

4-6 years field experience

Tools

Sprinkler systems

Field equipment

Job description

This position is a full-time exempt position responsible for assisting in the execution of the operational plans and procedures of the training pitches at the Timbers Performance Center, located in Beaverton Oregon. We are seeking a detail-oriented Skilled Assistant Groundskeeper with a passion for maintaining quality, consistency, and safe playing surfaces. This role will play an integral part in maintaining multiple state-of-the-art pitches maintaining the highest level of quality for multiple teams.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Help in the maintenance of two natural grass/hybrid reinforced fields and one artificial, including but not limited to mowing, edging, fertilizing, aerating, top-dressing, over-seeding, re-sodding and line striping.
• Collaborate with the Director of Grounds to create and implement a yearly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for the turf, with an emphasis on fertility, pest management, and cultural practices.
• Help to collect, log, and interpret data related to pitch performance indicators, daily light integrals , and disease forecasting.
• Liaise with Soccer Operations to maintain good working relationships and open lines of communication with coaching and soccer operations staff
• Help maintain grounds equipment to ensure they remain in good working order.
• Assist in the upkeep of exterior building landscaping and winter service responsibilities i.e. plowing drive aisles, and keeping walkways clear.

Essential Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited University in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Related field OR possess Certification from accredited University OR 4-6 years industry experience. Working knowledge of agronomic principles and best management practices in the Sports Turf industry
• Experience and knowledge of cool season natural grass and hybrid systems.
• Minimum experience with the use, calibration, and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Experience using and maintaining various types of equipment used in turfgrass maintenance
• Working knowledge of irrigation system operation, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including working outdoors during various weather conditions
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule and meet the demands of complex training schedules.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screens and background check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.