Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist

Florida Gulf Coast University; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking an Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist to maintain the fields and surrounding grounds at the Outdoor Athletic Complexes, including preparing and maintaining athletic fields and assisting with turf care chemicals.

The role involves daily turf maintenance, coordinating with the athletics grounds team, supervising OPS students, and ensuring game day readiness for baseball, softball, and soccer in compliance with NCAA and FGCU standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least 1 year of related work experience.
• Experience in turf, grounds maintenance, or athletic field care.
• Commercial pesticide license preferred.
• Ability to operate and maintain sports turf equipment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate athletic turf and grounds maintenance with the athletics team.
• Perform daily turf maintenance: mowing, edging, weeding, trimming, and debris removal.
• Prepare game day and event sites for baseball, softball, and soccer.
• Maintain fields per NCAA, ASUN, and FGCU standards, including clay infields and foul lines.
• Oversee irrigation to keep grass and clay moisture at optimal levels.
• Assist with supervising part-time workers and ensure safe, efficient work.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Reliability

Interpersonal skills

Safety awareness

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Reel mower operation

Grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist

Florida Gulf Coast University

Job Summary

The Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist is responsible for maintenance and care of the fields and surrounding grounds at the Outdoor Athletic Complexes. Key responsibilities include preparing and maintaining athletic fields, performing routine equipment upkeep, and assisting with the application of fertilizers and other turf care chemicals. The Athletics Grounds Turf & Clay Specialist may also provide support and direction to part‑time temporary workers (OPS), including students, to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in accordance with established standards.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Works with Athletics grounds team in planning, coordinating, and managing athletic turf and surrounding grounds.
• Performs daily sports turf maintenance, including mowing, edging, weeding, trimming, and trash/debris removal to ensure safe, visually appealing athletic environments.
• Facilitates and executes all game day and event preparation for designated competitions, including baseball, softball, and soccer, ensuring all operational tasks are completed and events run smoothly.
• Prepares and maintains baseball and softball fields including dragging, watering, lining, chalking, painting clay infields and foul lines, and setting bases in accordance with NCAA, ASUN Conference, and university standards.
• Maintains field conditions by mowing outfields, edging baselines, sifting and applying clay, and rebuilding pitching mounds, bullpens, and home plates.
• Assists in offseason and emergency field renovations to include grading, clay service, sodding and irrigation repairs
• Conducts daily inspections to assess field conditions, identify issues, and ensure compliance with university and athletic standards.
• Oversees irrigation systems to maintain proper moisture levels on grass and clay infield surfaces.
• Communicates daily tasks to temporary and student workers and offers guidance to support safe and efficient work completion.
• Maintains and services groundskeeping tools and equipment.
• Ensures proper waste and recycling collection in alignment with university standards.
• Applies fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides according to prepared schedule; maintains turf health and performs plant installation and tree/shrub pruning.
• Assists with policy and procedure updates to improve the efficiency of operations for Athletics Grounds Maintenance.
• Ensures all maintenance activities are performed in compliance with University, ASUN Conference, and NCAA rules.

Other Duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma and one year of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience working in facility, turf, or grounds maintenance and familiarity with reel mowers and other necessary grounds equipment.
• Pesticide and Herbicide Application License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with co‑workers, university staff, students, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others. Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends to include game nights and holidays as needed.
• Willing to work outside in extreme temperatures and weather.
• Ability to lift at least 60 lbs.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.