Sports Turf Technician

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, is seeking a Grounds and Sports Turf Specialist to assist in maintenance and operations of all intercollegiate athletic fields and surrounding grounds. You will implement turfgrass schedules, apply fertilizers and chemicals, and support game-day operations under the Sports Turf Crew Chief.

Responsibilities include supervising student crews, managing equipment and inventory, and ensuring safety and compliance with EPA and university policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Two or four-year degree in turf science or related field preferred.
• Three years of sports turf experience required.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement turfgrass maintenance schedules and practices, including insect and disease management and fertilizer/chemical applications.
• Assist with game day operations for outdoor athletic events.
• Supervise and coordinate grounds crews for field preparations, painting/logos, and turf projects.
• Maintain inventory, chemical logs, fertilizer logs, and BMP documentation.
• Communicate with coaches, staff, and administrators to ensure accurate turf management details.

Skills

Turfgrass maintenance

Insect & disease identification

Fertilizer application

Equipment operation

Team supervision

Safety compliance

Communication with coaches

Education

High school diploma/GED

Two or four-year turf-related degree

Tools

Boom sprayer

Reel mowers

Utility tractor

Skid steer

Topdressers

Seeders

Paint lining equipment

Irrigation systems

Job description

Responsible for assisting in the maintenance and operations of all Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletic fields and surrounding grounds areas.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Formulate and implement proper turfgrass maintenance schedules and management practices, to include recognizing, identifying and treating turfgrass insects and diseases that could damage the quality of athletic turf. Responsible for application of fertilizer and chemicals for athletic facility sites. Formulate fertilizers and chemical spread formulas used in turfgrass maintenance. Assist with game day operations for all outdoor athletic events. Assist Sports Turf Crew Chief with special projects. Work under the supervision of the Sports Turf Crew Chief.
• Assist in creating annual maintenance & fertility weekly duties calendars, then independently follows them throughout the year to promote, monitor and maintain health of assigned areas. Work independently on special projects assigned by Sports Turf Crew Chief.
• Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate painting/fertilizing and cultural practices for all game and practice fields. Assign and manage crews responsible for aerifying, topdressing and sod work. Paint lines and logos for sporting events and can troubleshoot issues. Oversee multiple assigned student employees.
• Use of a variety of specialized machinery, including boom sprayer, reel mowers, utility tractor, skid steer, topdressors, seeders, paint lining equipment and irrigation systems. Use turf equipment and irrigation systems and can troubleshoot issues. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain working inventory of all materials used; accurate allocation of chemicals in keeping with EPA standards; ensures proper inventory records to plan for purchase of chemicals, fertilizers, paint and maintenance supplies. Keep detailed history of turf maintenance, chemical/fertility logs, paint logs for historical reference or review of BMPs.
• Respond to coaches needs and advise to ensure accuracy and understanding of all details. Make recommendations for improvement. Develop turfgrass maintenance tools applicable to the sport program area(s). Maintain awareness of current and emerging technologies related to field maintenance and communication. Relay sport program information and explain processes correctly to coaches, administrators and staff. Work closely with coaching staffs and other athletic department staff members for practices and events.

About Us:

Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue’s 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together—where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more:Purdue Boilermakers Athletics

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma/GED.
• Two or four-year degree in turf science or related field preferred.
• Three years of sports turf experience required.

Skills needed:

• Preferably, will have a two or four year degree in turf science or related field and possess three or more years of sports turf experience
• Must have obtained Category 3B pesticide license
• Routinely demonstrate organizational and time management skills to meet strict deadlines
• Ability to communicate and adhere to OSHA, University, Big Ten Conference, and NCAA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations is necessary
• Must participate in continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, correspondence courses and trade shows
• Maintains an awareness of current and new technologies, procedures, products that could improve the quality of athletic fields
• Perform other duties, as assigned.
• HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 50 to 80 lbs. frequently, and up to 100+ lbs.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 2
Pay Band S040
Job Code#20003768
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

Purdue University is an EO/EA University