Senior Athletic Field & Turf Operations Manager

Phase2 Technology; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

This position is responsible for the overall management of various athletic fields, natural and artificial surfaces, and campus turf on the University of Arizona campus. The role oversees athletic fields including the stadium, football practice fields, soccer field, softball field, and baseball fields, managing over 60 acres of turf to ensure safe, high-performance playing surfaces and a visually appealing campus.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; tuition reduction for employees and eligible family members; retirement plans; and access to U of A recreation and cultural activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage all personnel functions by developing, maintaining, and evaluating personnel in effective, efficient and safe work procedures.
• Manage equipment, materials, and resources effectively.
• Achieve department goals through development and management of an effective budget.
• Follow up and review all work performed.
• Ensure a safe environment for employees, athletes, coaches, and campus guests.
• Supervise, train, schedule and evaluate grounds staff, including full‑time, temporary and student employees.
• Oversee and coordinate maintenance programs, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, turf treatment and care programs.
• Ensure appropriate tracking, scheduling, and execution of maintenance activities to support operational effectiveness and asset reliability.
• Manage and coordinate facilities‑related projects initiated by Facilities Management administration, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities, timelines, and performance expectations.
• Provide oversight of contracted service providers to ensure compliance with established performance standards, specifications, and service level expectations.
• Monitor and coordinate external resources responsible for campus and athletic field maintenance, including irrigation systems, landscaping services, mowing and field repair activities.
• Establish and promote best practices for the maintenance of athletic and campus grounds, ensuring consistent quality, safety and operational efficiency across all contracted services.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in project budget development, implementation, and management.
• Thorough knowledge of turf grass science and management, landscape management, and computerized irrigation systems.
• Sports field construction experience.
• Project Management experience.
• Adept at operating and maintaining industry‑standard equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders, with high level of commitment.
• Must have ability to work flexible hours including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.
• Must have ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, Agriculture.
• Certified Sports Field Manager Certification.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.