Sports Turf Technician

Texas Turfgrass Association; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University is seeking an Athletic Field Technician to assist with daily operations of the Sports Turf Management Department across Ford Football Stadium and adjacent facilities in Dallas, Texas.

The role includes mowing, fertilizing, painting lines, chemical spraying, irrigation work, seeding and sod, and game-day setup for stadiums and practice fields. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays are required year-round.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year of work experience required.
• Experience in collegiate or professional athletic field maintenance preferred.
• Experience operating athletic field equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mow athletic and intramural fields using mowers and related equipment.
• Paint lines and logos; prepare and clean painting equipment; line preparation.
• Fertilizing, aeration and topdressing; manage irrigation components.
• Operate and perform basic repairs on field equipment.
• Seeding and sod worn areas; groom synthetic turf; hand-water dry spots.
• Assist with game-day setup for Ford Stadium and other fields; outdoor year-round work.
• Work some evenings, weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in turfgrass science or horticulture

Tools

Tractors

Skid steers

Topdressers

Unirake

Sweepers

Synthetic turf groomers

Turbine blowers

Drag mats

Irrigation controllers

Job description

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This position is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of the Sports Turf Management Department at Ford Football Stadium, Armstrong Indoor Practice Field, Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, Pettus Practice Field, the Track Throwing Field, and the Intramural Field. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, turf repairs; painting lines and logos; fertilizing; chemical spraying ; irrigation repairs; other cultural practices as needed; mowing turf athletic and intramural fields; and game-day setup for Ford Stadium, Wescott Field, and the Intramural Field.

Essential Functions:

• Mowing: Operate string trimmers, edgers, blowers, zero-turn mowers, push mowers, and potentially fairway reel mowers.
• Fertilizing, Aeration, and Topdressing: Flag irrigation heads; sweep and clean up thatch; load topdressers; and clean up sand.
• Painting: Mix paint; prepare, operate, and clean painting equipment; run string lines in preparation for painting; and potentially operate a paint sprayer.
• Chemical Spraying: Use backpack sprayers for smaller applications.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Irrigation: Remove, replace, and adjust irrigation heads; demonstrate basic knowledge of and ability to operate irrigation controllers.
• Seeding and Sodding: Seed and sod worn areas.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Groom and sweep synthetic turf; hand-water localized dry spots as necessary; and remove trash and debris.
• Work Schedule and Conditions
• Some evening and weekend work is required for scheduled work and emergency calls.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, as well as scheduled soccer matches and all home football games.
• Must be able to work outdoors year-round.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate’s degree in turfgrass science or horticulture is preferred.

A minimum of one (1) year of work experience is required.

Experience in collegiate or professional athletic field maintenance is preferred. Experience in the operation and management of athletic field facilities is desired. Experience working on athletic fields or golf courses is a plus.

Basic experience operating sports field equipment, including, but not limited to, tractors, skid steers, topdressers, Unirake, sweepers for both natural grass and synthetic turf, synthetic turf groomers, turbine blowers, and various types of drag mats is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel applications is preferred.

Candidate must possess knowledge of the hazards and necessary safety precautions associated with general labor and maintenance work. Knowledge of the practices, methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in the management of athletic fields is preferred.

Candidate with the ability to manage Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) is preferred.

Candidate must possess a current Texas driver’s license or be able to acquire one within the first 30 days and have a clear MVR.