Associate Director, Athletic Fields

The California State University; California; On-site; USD 109,747 - 120,907; Full time

Job summary

The California State University is seeking an Associate Director for Athletic Fields located in California. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversee operations for South Campus grounds, ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance.

In this role, you'll manage staff, budgets, and contracts while maintaining high-quality grounds. Qualifications include a relevant degree and extensive experience in landscape management.

The anticipated salary range is $9,834 to $10,834 per month, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of supervisory experience in grounds operations.
• Five years of professional work experience in landscape management.
• Experience developing and implementing maintenance plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily grounds operations, including planning and resource allocation.
• Oversee major renovation projects and contractor coordination.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Grounds operations management

Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices

Leadership and supervisory skills

Effective communication

Ability to analyze operational data

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or related field

Tools

Integrated pest management

Irrigation systems

Job description

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.

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 equivalent experience with at least two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, including at least two years 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 of progressively responsible management experience.
• Knowledge of landscape practices 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.
• Valid driver’s license required; out‑of‑state candidates must obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) or Certified IPM Technician (CIT).
• Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential.
• Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) focused on sustainable practices.
• Certified Arborist from 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.

Equal Employment Statement

San José 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 José 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 José 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.