Sports Field Manager

HES; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

HES is seeking a Grounds/Sports Fields Manager in Suffolk, Virginia, responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of athletic fields. The role requires ensuring high-quality field conditions and compliance while managing staff effectively.

Qualifications include a degree in Horticulture or related field and supervisory experience. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with a valid driver’s license and necessary licenses for pesticide and fertilizer application.

Qualifications

• 5 years of supervisory experience in grounds management or related field.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Virginia Pesticide License in Turf, or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, maintenance, and staff management for athletic fields.
• Conduct regular field inspections and maintain safe conditions.
• Supervise crew leaders and hourly employees, including scheduling and training.

Skills

Strong knowledge of athletic field maintenance practices and equipment

Effective communication and leadership skills

Basic math and recordkeeping skills

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Grounds/Sports Fields Manager oversees daily operations, maintenance, and staff management for all athletic fields within the District. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality field conditions, safe operations, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with client staff and contractors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct/perform daily athletic field maintenance operations including mowing, painting, irrigation maintenance, field repairs, infield dragging, aeration, overseeding, and chemical applications.
• Conduct regular field inspections and maintain safe, playable conditions.
• Monitor labor hours, material purchases, and grounds maintenance budgets.
• Supervise crew leaders and hourly employees, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Maintain preventive maintenance programs for grounds equipment.
• Coordinate with client staff regarding field operations and special events.
• Ensure subcontractors comply with client safety standards.
• Maintain daily operational logs and all required chemical, fertilizer, seed, and safety documentation.
• Conduct safety training and maintain SDS records in compliance with regulations.
• Interpret specifications, manuals, blueprints, and schematic drawings related to grounds equipment and systems.
• Follow all company, client, and regulatory policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field plus 5 years of supervisory experience; OR
• 10 years of athletic field management experience, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of athletic field maintenance practices and equipment.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and solve routine operational problems.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Virginia Pesticide License in Turf, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Virginia Commercial Fertilizer Applicator License, or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Physical Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, and lifting.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around mechanical equipment, chemicals, and electrical systems.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed outdoors and may involve exposure to weather, humidity, noise, moving machinery, chemicals, and elevated work areas.