Turf Tech (Grounds Tech)

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Healthcare

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Wellness Programs

Community Engagement

Job Security

Job summary

The University of New Mexico invites applications for a Turf Tech to maintain and enhance campus turf and landscapes. This hands-on role contributes to the beauty, safety, and function of outdoor spaces and requires readiness to work outdoors on a busy university campus.

The position includes operating grounds equipment, applying fertilizers, irrigation, sod, snow removal as needed, and supervising supporting staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; no prior experience required.
• Completed degrees above the minimum education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Irrigates landscaped areas as needed.
• Prepares areas for new turf and seeds lawns.
• Lays sod as appropriate to the requirements of the facility.
• Picks up and disposes of litter.
• Operates grounds equipment including riding mowers, sprayers, aerators, and/or small tractors.
• Applies fertilizers.
• Performs snow removal, as required.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• May perform general maintenance, custodial, and trash removal tasks.
• Oversees the work of employees in supporting roles, including assigning workload and monitoring employee performance.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Grounds maintenance knowledge

Fertilizer application knowledge

Irrigation systems knowledge

Organizational skills

Environmentally sustainable practices

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Riding mowers

Sprayers

Aerators

Small tractors

Fertilizer application equipment

Job description

Do you love working outdoors and take pride in creating beautiful, well-maintained landscapes? The University of New Mexico is looking for a dedicated Turf Tech to join our Facility Services team. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape the green spaces that make our campus shine, this is the opportunity for you!

As a Turf Tech, you'll be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the university's turf and landscaped areas. Your work will directly contribute to the beauty, safety, and functionality of our outdoor spaces.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Irrigates landscaped areas as needed.
• Prepares areas for new turf and seeds lawns.
• Lays sod as appropriate to the requirements of the facility.
• Picks up and disposes of litter.
• Operates grounds equipment including riding mowers, sprayers, aerators, and/or small tractors.
• Applies fertilizers.
• Performs snow removal, as required.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• May perform general maintenance, custodial, and trash removal tasks.
• Oversees the work of employees in supporting roles, including assigning workload and monitoring employee performance.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Pension and enrollment in a choice of additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual vacation leave (up to 168 hours per year), sick leave (up to 96 hours per year), and 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well-being.
• Community Engagement: Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.
• Job Security: Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within our respected flagship institution of New Mexico.

Ready to dig in and make a difference?

This recruitment will remain open for six (6) months, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as positions become available.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico's driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role within a university or large facility setting.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, turf equipment and fertilizer applications.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmentally sustainable practices
• Familiarity with advanced irrigation systems and techniques.
• Strong organizational skills.

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: Landscape Services (825C3)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Regular - Full-Time

Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: Hourly: $15.00 - $19.30

Benefits Eligible: This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required: Yes

For Best Consideration Date: 10/2/2026

Eligible for Remote Work: No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.