Head Groundskeeper / Assistant Director of Campus Operations

The National Sports Center Foundation; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Sports Center Foundation is seeking a Head Groundskeeper / Assistant Director of Campus Operations in Minnesota. You will head grounds maintenance across Victory Links Golf Course, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces, while directing staff and coordinating with events and NSC departments.

Responsibilities include planning daily work, implementing standards, and developing snow/ice plans. A strong lead role with collaboration and safety compliance is essential for high-quality, safe

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, Landscape Management, or related field preferred; equivalent combinations considered.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in golf course maintenance, sports turf, athletic fields, parks, grounds, or campus maintenance.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems, turfgrass management practices, synthetic turf maintenance, and winter maintenance operations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minnesota pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend and represent grounds maintenance operations during Campus Operations meetings.
• Lead the grounds maintenance team, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
• Direct daily grounds maintenance operations for Victory Links Golf Course, athletic fields, landscaping, and outdoor grounds.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operating procedures and maintenance standards for assigned areas.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign daily work activities to ensure efficient operations.
• Coordinate maintenance around tournaments, events, and daily campus activities.
• Collaborate with Campus Operations and NSC departments for coordinated facility maintenance and event support.
• Develop and execute campus-wide snow and ice management plans.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Operations planning

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management / related field

Tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

Position Description

Title: Head Groundskeeper / Assistant Director of Campus Operations

Assignment: Victory Links Golf Course, Natural Grass Athletic Fields, Synthetic Turf Fields, Campus Grounds, Landscaping, Roads, Parking Lots, Sidewalks, Trails, Snow & Ice Operations, and Outdoor Event Spaces.

Reports To: Director of Campus Operations

Supervises: Superintendent – Victory Links Golf Course, Superintendent – Sports Turf, 1st Assistant Superintendent, 2nd Assistant Superintendent, Assistant Groundskeepers, Irrigation Technician, Part-Time Grounds staff, and contracted vendors as assigned.

Competencies: The ability to successfully lead grounds maintenance operations within the Campus Operations Department. The ability to develop staff, plan and execute maintenance activities, prepare golf and athletic facilities for daily use and special events, coordinate winter operations, and maintain safe, high-quality playing surfaces and campus grounds. The ability to collaborate with Campus Operations staff, internal departments, partners, and vendors while balancing operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Attend and represent grounds maintenance operations during Campus Operations meetings.
• Serve as a member of the Campus Operations leadership team and assist the Director of Campus Operations with department planning and daily operations.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to the grounds maintenance team, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
• Direct the daily grounds maintenance operations for Victory Links Golf Course, natural grass athletic fields, synthetic turf fields, campus landscaping, and outdoor grounds.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operating procedures and maintenance standards for assigned areas.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign daily work activities to ensure efficient operations and exceptional facility conditions.
• Participate in long-range planning and campus improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules around tournaments, events, and daily campus activities.
• Collaborate with other functional areas within the Campus Operations Department to ensure a coordinated, efficient approach to facility maintenance, event support, and campus operations.
• Interface with Campus Operations staff and other NSC departments regarding maintenance priorities, event needs, and operational logistics.
• Partner with Golf Operations to maintain exceptional playing conditions at Victory Links Golf Course.
• Interface with vendors and contractors supporting irrigation, landscaping, tree care, snow removal, and other grounds maintenance services.
• Develop and execute campus-wide snow and ice management plans.
• Coordinate snow removal operations for roads, parking lots, sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian areas utilizing both internal staff and contracted services.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust staffing and operational priorities to support daily campus operations and scheduled events.
• Partner with the Equipment Manager to identify equipment needs, recommend equipment purchases and specifications, and coordinate seasonal equipment setup and preventative maintenance scheduling.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and other applicable regulations.
• Support staff development through coaching, training, performance management, and ongoing communication.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and employee development.

Management:

• Grounds maintenance operations.
• Victory Links Golf Course maintenance.
• Natural grass athletic field maintenance.
• Synthetic turf maintenance programs.
• Irrigation systems.
• Turfgrass management and agronomic programs.
• Campus landscaping and grounds appearance.
• Snow and ice management operations.
• Grounds maintenance staffing and scheduling.
• Vendor and contractor relationships.
• Safety and regulatory compliance.

Infrastructure:

• Victory Links Golf Course.
• Natural grass athletic fields.
• Synthetic turf athletic fields.
• Campus landscaping and green spaces.
• Roads, parking lots, sidewalks, trails, and cart paths.
• Stormwater management and drainage systems.
• Trees, shrubs, ornamental plantings, and landscape features.
• Outdoor event spaces.

Budget:

• Assist in the preparation and management of the annual grounds maintenance operating budget.
• Assist in the preparation and management of annual capital improvement requests.
• Monitor departmental operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Equipment Manager by providing recommendations for equipment purchases, replacement planning, specifications, and seasonal equipment configurations.
• Assist in evaluating new equipment, technologies, and operational improvements.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracted services supporting grounds maintenance operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in golf course maintenance, sports turf, athletic fields, parks, grounds, or campus maintenance.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems, turfgrass management practices, synthetic turf maintenance, and winter maintenance operations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minnesota pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain preferred.

Additional Duties:

• Special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.