Athletic Field Operations Manager — Grounds & Safety

Genesis Distribution; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HES, a premier facilities management provider, is seeking a Grounds/Sports Fields Manager for Suffolk, VA. The role oversees daily maintenance operations, staff supervision, safety, and regulatory compliance for athletic fields across the district.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in supervision of field maintenance, or 10+ years in athletic field management, plus horticulture credentials. Licensing requirements include pesticide and fertilizer certifications, obtainable within 6 months.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field plus 5 years of supervisory experience; OR 10 years of athletic field management experience, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Virginia Pesticide License in Turf, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Virginia Commercial Fertilizer Applicator License, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Regular standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, and lifting; work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily athletic field maintenance operations including mowing, painting, irrigation maintenance, field repairs, infield dragging, aeration, overseeding, and chemical applications.
• Conduct regular field inspections and maintain safe, playable conditions.
• Monitor labor hours, material purchases, and grounds maintenance budgets.
• Supervise crew leaders and hourly employees, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain preventive maintenance programs for grounds equipment.
• Coordinate with client staff regarding field operations and special events.
• Ensure subcontractors comply with client safety standards.
• Maintain daily operational logs and all required chemical, fertilizer, seed, and safety documentation.
• Conduct safety training and maintain SDS records in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Athletic field maintenance

Leadership

Recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field

10 years of athletic field management experience

Tools

Virginia Pesticide License in Turf

Virginia Commercial Fertilizer Applicator License

Job description

HES, a premier facilities management provider, is seeking a Grounds/Sports Fields Manager for Suffolk, VA. The role oversees daily maintenance operations, staff supervision, safety, and regulatory compliance for athletic fields across the district.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in supervision of field maintenance, or 10+ years in athletic field management, plus horticulture credentials. Licensing requirements include pesticide and fertilizer certifications, obtainable within 6 months.