Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager

University of Wisconsin Colleges; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin River Falls is seeking an Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager to lead field maintenance and operations for varsity and intramural activities. You will schedule, supervise staff, and ensure safe, game-ready surfaces across outdoor spaces.

Responsibilities include field lining, painting, branding, post-event recovery, and collaboration with coaches and event staff to optimize play conditions and campus aesthetics. Willingness to work evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to independently manage and prioritize work in a dynamic, event-driven environment
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and weather-related needs
• Possess or obtain Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of hire
• Must be able to operate university vehicles and equipment safely

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of athletic field and outdoor surface maintenance
• Plan and direct field preparation for practices, games, and events
• Coordinate staff scheduling, training, and task delegation
• Monitor turf health and implement maintenance programs
• Oversee snow removal and weather-related response
• Collaborate with athletics staff to meet sport-specific needs
• Plan turf and landscape improvement projects
• Maintain grounds, walkways, and spectator areas

Skills

Driver's license

Turf management

Communication

Safety procedures

Scheduling

Staff supervision

Tools

Pesticide license (Ornamental & Turf)

Forklift certification

Aerial lift certification

Job description

## Athletics and Recreation Turf ManagerApply: Onsite: River Falls, WI: Full time: Posted Yesterday: JR10014760## ***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. ## **How to Apply:** Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide: * Resume **Inquiries should be addressed to:** Darren JohnsonSearch [e-mail] **Deadline to Apply:** Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before October 15, 2026.**The pay rate is $23.41 per hour.**