Director, Athletics Grounds

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA, seeks a Director, Athletics Grounds to manage maintenance and operations of natural grass fields, synthetic fields, and facilities at Harder Stadium and other Intercollegiate Athletics venues.

Reporting to the Deputy Athletics Director - External, you will supervise grounds staff, plan field prep, and ensure compliance with NCAA standards and safety. This is a 100% time exempt role requiring Bermuda grass expertise and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Turfgrass Management or related field and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience maintaining high quality natural and synthetic athletic fields year round. Experience in NCAA athletic field marking and painting. Experience maintaining infield diamond surfaces
• 1-3 years Supervising grounds crews or landscape teams

Responsibilities

• 45% – Supervises and trains the facilities/landscape/groundskeeping staff and student crew; oversees turf and landscape at athletics venues.
• 20% – Creates and follows detailed maintenance plans and schedules for field prep and facility upkeep.
• 10% – Monitor inventory and communicate needs to supervisor.
• 5% – Coordinate with vendors for quotes and project tasks.
• 5% – Check in with coaches on field condition and incorporate feedback.
• 5% – Assist with facility/field budget planning and maintenance.
• 5% – Ensure safety, compliance, and proper operations.

Skills

Bermuda grass practices

NCAA field marking

Reel mower operation

Leadership

English communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Turfgrass Management

Job description

Director, Athletics Grounds

Position Number: 40070309

Payroll Title: LANDSCAPE GROUNDS SUPV 1

Job Code: 007990 | Open Date: 02/18/2026 | Application Review Begins: 03/05/2026

Department Code (Name): ATHL (ATHLETICS) | Percentage of Time: 100% | FLSA Status: Exempt | Classified Indicator Description: PSS | Salary Grade: 21

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,000 to $90,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $73,800 to $131,200/year.

Work Location: ICA Venues | Working Days and Hours: Monday - Sunday, as needed | Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Brief Summary of Job Duties

Reporting to the Deputy Athletics Director - External for Intercollegiate Athletics, oversees the maintenance and operations of natural grass fields, synthetic fields, and facilities at Harder Stadium, Clemmenson Field, Caesar Uyesaka Stadium, Campus Diamond, Arnhold Tennis Center and other spaces as assigned for Intercollegiate Athletics. The employee works with coaches, staff, and the grounds crew on a daily basis to provide support to intercollegiate athletic teams and programs. Provides immediate supervision to a unit or group of operational or technical employees and must have strong skills in all areas in order to effectively oversee the staff. Supervises unit operations to ensure compliance with departmental or organizational policies, procedures, and defined internal controls. A portion of time may be spent performing individual tasks related to the unit; however, supervisory activities must constitute a primary part of the job. Ensures accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental standards and procedures. Athletics fields require health monitoring, including scouting for stress, disease, and invasive weeds. They feature a variety of innovations including the synthetic sand / rubber turf mix, water cannon irrigation systems, subsurface drainage systems, and a variety of natural grass playing surfaces. Natural grass playing surfaces must maintain elite hybrid Bermuda grass to meet complex NCAA, FIFA and other collegiate and professional industry standard regulations, including precise mowing heights and playability standards. Maintenance of high-performance sports turf and synthetic surfaces field marking & logos, event preparation & practice support for NCAA Division I athletic teams, equipment operation (mowers, tractors, sweepers), irrigation installation & repair chemical application. The position also involves planning, organizing, coordinating and performing activities supporting department's sports facilities, playing fields and exterior landscaping, including gardening, planting, landscape, grounds maintenance, erosion, pest management, and exterior fire control projects.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the cultural practices required for Bermuda grass at a professional/division 1 sports level
• Ability and experience maintaining high quality low cut natural grass athletic fields
• Ability and experience in NCAA and/or professional sport team athletic field marking and painting
• Working knowledge of reel mowers, and associated turfgrass equipment
• Working verbal and written communication skills in the English language, including active listening, flexibility, critical thinking, and the ability to multi-task and ensure effective time management
• Working decision making, reasoning, troubleshooting skills, and ability to develop original ideas to solve problems and conduct operations analysis and quality control analysis
• Knowledge and previous experience working with NCAA Division 1/professional sport team/national sport team baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, track and field
• Working knowledge of tools and equipment related to managing a multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility including lighting systems
• Knowledge of baseline irrigation system or comparable central control system
• Working, effective interpersonal and work leadership skills to provide guidance to other personnel
• Ability to provide plant and pest identification
• Flexibility to work varying hours
• Excellent time management skills
• Extensive knowledge of landscaping techniques and processes
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Docs
• QAL (Qualified Applicators License – pesticide applicators license) may be required
• Bloodborne pathogen and sharps disposal training

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Turfgrass Management or related field and / or equivalent experience / training
• 3-5 years of relevant experience maintaining high quality natural and synthetic athletic fields year round. Experience in NCAA athletic field marking and painting. Experience maintaining infield diamond surfaces
• 1-3 years Supervising grounds crews or landscape teams

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years Working directly with NCAA coaches, athletics operations staff, and game operations
• 1-3 years Supervising union represented grounds crews or landscape teams
• Maintain QWEL Qualified Water Efficient Landscape Certifications
• Certified Reclaimed Water Site Supervisor
• Certified Landscape Water Manager
• STMA Member

Special Conditions of Employment

• Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse
• UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act
• Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 45% – Supervises and trains the facilities/landscape/groundskeeping staff as well as student crew; overseeing their day‑to‑day activities. Supervise and participate in the specialized maintenance of the turf and landscape at all Athletics practice and competition venues. This involves assisting with the organization and scheduling of landscape/groundskeeping operations, working with staff to provide solutions for routine and complex situations, and assisting with field maintenance on technical and operational tasks when justified. Assist with the organization and scheduling of routine landscape/groundskeeping operations. Provides on‑site supervision, assists with the maintenance of intercollegiate athletics facilities‑related equipment and vehicles, and works with staff to provide solutions and assists with field maintenance, potentially operating said equipment/vehicles, on technical and operational tasks and when justified.
• 20% – Creates, updates, and follows detailed facilities and field maintenance plans/schedules which highlight daily maintenance times and activities with the ability to adjust them to account for weather patterns from an agronomy perspective, yearly projects, and game‑day timelines and activities for field prep.
• 10% – Monitor inventory on a facility, commodity or project basis and communicate needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
• 5% – When requested, contact vendors, receive quotes, handle logistical planning and ensure contracted projects are completed correctly.
• 5% – Checks in with coaches frequently on condition of facilities. Incorporates feedback into daily planning.
• 5% – Assist Supervisor and CFO with facility/field budget planning and maintenance.
• 5% – Ensures safety, hazardous materials and landscape/groundskeeping policies and procedures are adhered to. Maintains proper inventory needs and purchase inventory.
• 5% – Other, including professional development

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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