Athletic Field Manager

Christian Brothers Academy; Middletown Township (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Christian Brothers Academy seeks an Athletic Field Manager to oversee day-to-day care of all athletic surfaces, ensuring safety and game-readiness. Under the Director of Facilities, you will implement agronomic and turf programs, lead a small crew, and prepare fields for competitions.

The role requires a degree in Turfgrass Management or related field, 3+ years of field experience, and relevant NJ licenses; flexibility for early mornings and events is expected in this independent school setting.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelors degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of sports field maintenance experience.
• NJ Commercial Pesticide Applicator license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• NJ Fertilizer Applicator Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass background check and fingerprinting for NJ schools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain natural-grass and synthetic fields year-round.
• Monitor field conditions and advise on closures or rest to protect surfaces.
• Prepare fields for home contests and events per schedule.
• Carry out irrigation maintenance and repairs; manage soil and tissue testing.

Skills

Turfgrass management

Irrigation systems

Field maintenance

Crew leadership

Education

Bachelors in Turfgrass Management

NJ Pesticide Applicator license (3B, Turf)

NJ Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification

Driver's license

Job description

About the School

Christian Brothers Academy is an independent, Lasallian, college preparatory school providing a contemporary and balanced Catholic education for young men. A rich and rigorous academic curriculum, programs of spiritual formation, and a broad range of athletic, art, and cultural activities enable students to become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for the Church and society.

Position Summary

The Athletic Field Manager is the school's hands-on turf and field specialist, responsible for the day-to-day care, safety, and game-readiness of all athletic surfaces. Working under the Director of Facilities, the Field Manager carries out agronomic and synthetic-turf programs, and prepares fields for competition. This role suits a skilled turf professional who takes pride in the details and enjoys being part of a school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Maintenance and Agronomy
• Carry out year-round cultural practices on natural-grass fields, including mowing, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, sodding, and irrigation management.
• Take soil and tissue samples and recommend fertility and pest-control programs to the Director of Facilities.
• Ensure operation of the field irrigation systems, make repairs where possible or outsource repairs/replacement as necessary.
• Execute tarp removal and replacements.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides in compliance with New Jersey law, including the state fertilizer law's seasonal restrictions and the New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act, and keep accurate application records.
• Maintain baseball infield skins, mound and plate areas, and warning tracks.
• Monitor field conditions daily and recommend closures, rotation, or rest to protect athletes and surfaces.
• Maintain all areas outside of the playing field.
• Order and maintain supplies necessary for field and ground operations.

Baseball Field Maintenance

• Provide ongoing maintenance of the baseball field to maintain a safe, attractive, and playable surface throughout the New Jersey baseball season.
• Services shall include routine mowing and trimming of turf areas, edging of the infield and base paths, infield grooming and leveling, dragging, and raking, weed control, removal of debris, and general field cleanup.
• Seasonal maintenance shall include spring field preparation, turf fertilization, and weed control, aeration and overseeding as needed, infield material replenishment and conditioning, warning-track maintenance, and preparation of the field prior to scheduled games and events.
• Shall routinely inspect the field for drainage issues, uneven playing surfaces, turf damage, erosion, and other conditions that may create a safety concern.
• Minor deficiencies shall be addressed as part of routine maintenance, with significant repairs or additional materials identified and reported to the Director of Facilities for approval.
• Maintenance shall be adjusted based on weather conditions, field usage, and seasonal requirements, with additional attention given to the spring and summer playing season and preparation of the field for winter conditions.

Synthetic Turf and Athletic Facilities

• Maintain synthetic fields through regular grooming, infill leveling, cleaning, and minor seam and inlay repair.
• Assist with scheduling annual GMAX/impact-attenuation testing and keep results on file.
• Maintain tennis courts, the track surface, dugouts, goals, nets, bleachers, and other athletic fixtures, reporting larger repair needs to the Director of Facilities.

Game and Event Preparation

• Paint and line fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, rugby, and other sports to NJSIAA and governing-body specifications, including logos and special markings.
• Prepare fields for home contests, playoff games, Homecoming, Commencement, and other school events.
• Communicate with the Athletic Department about field availability, schedule changes, and weather-related decisions.

Crew, Equipment, and Operations

• Perform routine maintenance on mowers, tractors, and field equipment, and flag repair or replacement needs.
• Track inventory of seed, fertilizer, paint, infill, and other supplies, and provide input for the annual budget and capital planning.
• Assist with snow and ice removal on athletic areas and across campus as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols, OSHA standards, and proper chemical storage and handling procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 3 years of sports field maintenance experience.
• New Jersey Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (Category 3B, Turf), or the ability to obtain it within [6] months of hire.
• New Jersey Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification, or the ability to obtain it within [6] months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting as required for New Jersey school employees.

Preferred

• Experience at an independent school, college, or professional sports facility.
• Experience with both natural-grass and synthetic surfaces.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems and troubleshooting.
• Progress toward, or interest in, the Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation.
• Membership in the Sports Field Management Association and SFMA-NJ.

Skills and Attributes

• Solid knowledge of cool-season turfgrass care in the Northeast climate.
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard of workmanship.
  Ability to lead a small crew by example.
• Clear, professional communication with facilities staff, coaches, and administrators.
• Flexibility to adjust plans around weather, games, and school events.
• A role-model presence in keeping with the school's mission of developing young men.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and operate tractors, mowers, and utility vehicles.
• Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work required during athletic seasons, special events, and weather emergencies.