Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician)

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Well-being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

James Madison University’s Facilities Management seeks a Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) to maintain sports turf facilities’ safety, playability, and aesthetics. Prior sports turf experience is helpful; this is a growth opportunity with a dedicated team.

The shift is typically Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime for events, weather, and summer adjustments. Employment is full-time and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Able to learn to use turfgrass maintenance equipment including reel and rotary mowers, hand tools, weed eaters, edgers, and tractors with attachments.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible to changing environments and schedules, and perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Must possess effective communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and 24 months of driving, with a valid Motor Vehicle Report.
• Virginia Pesticide Registered Technician’s License or ability to obtain within one year; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform general landscape maintenance.
• Maintain all athletic fields including turfgrass management (synthetic and natural).
• Daily field inspections.
• Operate landscape equipment and inspect irrigation equipment.
• Lead the work of assigned wage and summer staff.
• Perform safe application of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Work all home football games.
• Work during periods of authorized closings as an essential employee.

Skills

Equipment operation

Independent work

Attention to detail

Driver's license

Pesticide license

Tools

Irrigation equipment

Mowers/tractors with attachments

Job description

Working Title

Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician)

State Role Title

Transportation Operator II

Position Type

Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division

Business Services

Department

100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band

2

Pay Rate

Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount

$32,400 - $34,900

Is this a JMU only position?

No

Is this a grant-funded position?

No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?

No

Beginning Review Date

9/23/2026

About JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is seeking a Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) to help ensure sports turf facilities’ safety, playability, and aesthetics. Previous experience with sports turf is helpful, but not necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team and learn valuable skills!

The shift for this position is typically Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime as required for special events, inclement weather, and alternate schedule during the summer months.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform general landscape maintenance.
• Perform maintenance of all athletic fields including turfgrass management (synthetic and natural).
• Daily field inspections.
• Operation of various landscape equipment and inspection of irrigation equipment.
• Lead the work of assigned wage and summer staff.
• Perform safe application of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ability to learn to use equipment specific to turfgrass maintenance including complex reel and rotary mowers, hand tools, weedeaters, edgers, and tractors with attachments.
• Ability to work independently, be flexible to changing work environments and schedules and perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
• Must possess effective communication skills and have strong attention to detail.
• Must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and have had a valid driver’s license for a total of 24 months at the time of hire and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
• Virginia Pesticide Registered Technician’s License or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire; Facilities Management will provide the necessary training tools and support in this process.

Additional Considerations:

• Virginia Certified Fertilizer Applicator License or the willingness to obtain.
• Working knowledge of landscape maintenance, turfgrass management practices, and associated equipment is helpful.

Additional Posting Information

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.