Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager

Universities of Wisconsin; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin River Falls Athletics & Recreation is seeking an Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager to oversee the care and preparation of athletic fields and outdoor spaces for varsity, intramurals, and campus events.

You will lead field operations, develop game-day plans, supervise staff, and implement turf management strategies to ensure safe, high-quality, and competitive environments. Strong leadership and multitasking are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to independently manage and prioritize work in a dynamic, event-driven environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and respond to weather-related needs.
• Experience with turf management practices, equipment operation, and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of athletic field and outdoor recreation surface maintenance, ensuring competition-ready conditions.
• Develop field preparation plans for practices and games, including logos and branding elements.
• Supervise staff: scheduling, delegation, and training.
• Monitor turf health; perform fertilization, aeration, irrigation, pest control, and seasonal transitions.
• Oversee snow removal and weather-related responses to keep fields accessible.
• Collaborate with coaches and event management to meet sport-specific needs.
• Plan turf and landscape improvement projects to enhance safety and aesthetics.
• Maintain grounds, walkways, and spectator areas for safety and cleanliness.
• Research and adopt new turf management techniques and equipment.

Skills

Driver’s license

Pesticide license

Forklift certification

Turf management

Safety procedures

Communication

Education

Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License (Ornamental & Turf)

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title:

Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Groundskeeper Lead

Job Duties:

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position plays a vital role in supporting the success of the University of Wisconsin River Falls Athletics & Recreation Department, including championship-level programs. The Athletics & Recreation Turf Manager is responsible for the overall management, preparation, and performance of athletic fields and outdoor recreation spaces to ensure a safe, high-quality, and game-ready environment for varsity athletics, intramurals, and campus events.

This role directly impacts the student-athlete experience, competitive success, and external perception of UWRF Athletics. Responsibilities include advanced planning and execution of field preparation for practices and competitions, including NCAA-level events, as well as leadership of grounds operations aligned with athletic schedules and seasonal demands.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of athletic field and outdoor recreation surface maintenance, ensuring competition-ready conditions for all varsity and recreational activities
• Develop and execute field preparation plans aligned with athletic schedules, including game-day setup (field lining, painting, logos, branding elements) and post-event recovery
• Coordinate and supervise staff, including scheduling, task delegation, and training, to support efficient and high-quality operations
• Monitor turf health and field conditions; implement proactive maintenance strategies including fertilization, aeration, irrigation, pest control, and seasonal transitions
• Oversee snow removal and weather-related response to ensure fields, facilities, and event access points remain safe and operational
• Collaborate with Athletics & Recreation staff, coaches, and event management personnel to meet sport-specific needs and enhance the game-day environment
• Assist in planning and implementing turf and landscape improvement projects that enhance functionality, safety, and aesthetics of athletic and recreation spaces
• Maintain surrounding grounds including walkways, roadways, and spectator areas to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for participants and fans
• Research, evaluate, and implement new turf management techniques, materials, and equipment to improve efficiency and field performance

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment

• Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of various lawn and landscape projects and staff

• Schedules and monitors staff and assists with basic training

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage

• Assists with organizing the layout of planting sites, plant and material selection, research and evaluate new materials and equipment

• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice

Department:

Facilities - Grounds

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to independently manage and prioritize work in a dynamic, event-driven environment with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to support operations tied to scheduled events, including flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and respond to weather-related needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting Wisconsin standards for University vehicle operation
• Possess or obtain a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License (Ornamental & Turf) within 6 months of hire
• Possess or obtain forklift and aerial lift certifications
• Strong working knowledge of turf management practices, equipment operation, and safety procedures (or ability to quickly develop)
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with athletics staff, coaches, and campus partners
• Physical ability to perform essential duties including lifting (50 lbs), bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in varying weather conditions
• Ability to maintain records, operate computer systems, and utilize software related to scheduling, maintenance tracking, and reporting
• Must complete and successfully pass post-offer employment test.

The pay rate is $23.41 per hour.

The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.

A six probationary period is required.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.

https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Title IX Notice

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [e-mail]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix.

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.

Reasonable Accommodations

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [e-mail] or 715-425-3518.

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.