Head Grounds & Turf Lead, Intercollegiate Athletics

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 73,800 - 131,200; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Director, Athletics Grounds to manage maintenance of natural and synthetic fields and facilities across Intercollegiate Athletics venues. You will lead a grounds team, oversee turf, irrigation, equipment, and safety, and coordinate with coaches on game-day needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Turfgrass Management or related field, 3–5 years supervising grounds crews, and strong leadership. The position offers full benefits and salary commensurate with experience.

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
• 1–3 years of supervising grounds crews or landscape teams

Responsibilities

• 45% – Supervises and trains facilities/landscape/groundskeeping staff and student crew; oversees day-to-day activities and specialized maintenance of turf and landscape at venues
• 20% – Creates, updates, and follows detailed maintenance plans and schedules adjusting for weather patterns, projects, and game-day timelines
• 10% – Monitors inventory and communicates needs to supervisors
• 5% – Contacts vendors, receives quotes, and ensures contracted projects are completed correctly
• 5% – Checks in with coaches to receive feedback on facilities and incorporate it into planning
• 5% – Assists supervisor and CFO with facility/field budget planning and maintenance
• 5% – Ensures safety, hazardous materials, and quality control procedures are followed; manages inventory and purchases
• 5% – Other duties, including professional development

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Word/Excel

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Turfgrass Management

Equivalent experience/training

Tools

QWEL Certification

Certified Reclaimed Water Site Supervisor

STMA member

Job description

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Director, Athletics Grounds to manage maintenance of natural and synthetic fields and facilities across Intercollegiate Athletics venues. You will lead a grounds team, oversee turf, irrigation, equipment, and safety, and coordinate with coaches on game-day needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Turfgrass Management or related field, 3–5 years supervising grounds crews, and strong leadership. The position offers full benefits and salary commensurate with experience.