Athletic Fields Technician 00600

Christopher Newport University; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Vacation and leave

Job summary

Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA seeks an Athletic Fields Technician to lead our athletics maintenance team and manage 28 acres of outdoor facilities, including turf care, irrigation, fertilization, seeding, and field layout. This role also handles painting logos and lines, bed maintenance, and special projects to support a safe, aesthetically pleasing and cost-efficient athletic complex.

The position requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and ability to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license required.
• VDACS Technician within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in grounds maintenance preferred.
• College degree in a related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead athletics maintenance team and work independently on 28 acres of grounds.
• Perform turf management: fertilization, pesticide applications, seeding, sodding, aerification.
• Manage irrigation and turf repair; establish athletic field layouts; paint lines and logos.

Skills

Turf maintenance

Irrigation systems

Field maintenance

Field layout

Logo painting

Independent work

Written communication

Education

High school diploma

Valid driver’s license

VDACS Registered Technician within 6 months

College degree in related field

Certified Fertilizer Applicator

Tools

Reel mowers

Tractors

Sprayers

Light utility vehicles

Aerifiers

Verticutters

Sod cutters

Topdressers

Field lining equipment

Job description

Working Title

Athletic Fields Technician 00600

Role Title

Trades Technician III

Position Number

00600

FLSA

Non Exempt

Appointment Type

Full Time

Type of Posting

General Public

Is Sensitive Position?

No

Designated Personnel

Yes

Responsible Employee

This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

If Designated Personnel, please paste statement

This position is a “designated position,” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest

No

Is this a restricted position subject to availability of funding?

Yes

If Restricted Position, please paste statement

This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding.

Departmental Objective

Effectively implement the University president’s vision for a world class campus that attracts, inspires, and bonds people to CNU. To provide Christopher Newport University’s students with an outstanding intercollegiate Division III Athletics facility that will emphasize safety, provide aesthetic appearance and value, and be environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

Purpose of the Position

As the Athletic Field Technician, this position will lead our athletics maintenance team as well as work independently to help implement and perform sports field maintenance tasks for 28 acres of Athletic grounds. This includes all aspects of turf management to include: fertilization and pesticide applications, seeding, sodding, aerification, turf establishment, irrigation and turf repair, athletic field layout, line and logo painting, as well as landscape bed maintenance and special projects to facilitate the needs within the athletic facility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Position

• Basic knowledge of warm season turfgrass maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of irrigation system operation.
• Basic knowledge of athletic field maintenance procedures, tools, and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of athletic field layout and sport-specific field markings.
• Basic knowledge of logo painting.
• Must be motivated and have the ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Good writing and verbal skills.

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required

Education

• High school graduate or equivalent education/experience that equates to a high school diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to become a VDACS Registered Technician within the first 6 months of employment

Experience

• Basic experience in grounds maintenance

Additional Consideration(s)

Education

• A VDACS Registered Technician
• A Certified Fertilizer Applicator
• A college degree in a related field

Experience

• Experience managing athletic fields at the college or professional level
• Experience with safe use and maintenance of athletic field maintenance equipment such as reel mowers, tractors, sprayers, light utility vehicles, aerifiers, verticutters, sod cutters, topdressers, trailers, and field lining equipment

Salary Information

Salary $35,477 to $44,346, Commensurate with Education and Experience - this position is eligible for overtime

CNU Information

This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits. CNU offers a comprehensive benefits package to include retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of other options. Available leave includes vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave. State employees are eligible for discounted travel, banking, legal and retail services, among others. To view more information about our benefits, please visit https://cnu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Role Code

79033

Conditions of Employment

• This is a classified position. New and returning classified employees are required to complete a 12-month probationary period.
• Selected candidate must attend a 2-day New Employee Orientation Program.

Is this position telework eligible?

No

Light Lifting (less than 20 lbs.)

Essential

Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs.)

Essential

Heavy Lifting (more than 50 lbs.)

Essential

Pushing/Pulling

Essential

Standing

Essential

Sitting

Marginal

Bending

Essential

Walking

Essential

Climbing

Essential

Reaching

Essential

Repetitive Motion

Essential

Fast Pace

Essential

Average Pace

Essential

Multiple Priorities

Essential

Intense Customer Interaction

Marginal

Multiple Stimuli

Marginal

Frequency Changes

Essential

Memory

Essential

Reasoning

Essential

Hearing

Essential

Reading

Essential

Analyzing

Essential

Logic

Essential

Verbal Communication

Essential

Written Communication

Essential

Posting Number

PS1261P

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

09/28/2026

Open Until Filled

No

EEO/Diversity Statement(s)

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Request

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to upload an approved AHP Letter received from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or from the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI) to their applications.

Note: Certificates of Disability provided by DARS or DBVI dated April 1, 2022, through February 29, 2024, will still be accepted as applicable for the AHP. The name change to AHP Letter became effective March 1, 2024.

Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their AHP Letter.

Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Background Check

Applicant finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. After accepting employment, individuals are required to complete a USCIS Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification) and present documentation from the USCIS List of Acceptable Documents that establishes both their identity and employment authorization to work in the United States. The provided documents will be verified through the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify website.