The Landscape Technician, Sports Turf performs skilled grounds maintenance at athletic fields and surrounding areas using a variety of power equipment. The Landscape Technician calibrates equipment to manicure, weed, and trim various species of plants. This position also manages tress and trims as required. The Landscape Technician maintains walks and drives as required. This position installs new landscape material as needed, as well as adjusts and replaces irrigation heads, maintains irrigation controls and low voltage light fixtures. The primary focus of this position is on care and maintenance of turfgrass on athletic fields and other key areas on campus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Perform daily and routine mowing and care of the athletic playing surfaces and other Bermuda and Zoysia lawns on campus
• Prepare playing fields for games and practice sessions including mowing, sweeping, and painting lines
• Inspect fields daily to determine needs relating to irrigation, application of products for plant growth, weed and fungus control, and pest management; communicate these needs to the Supervisor of Sports Turf and follow-up to ensure issues were addressed in a timely manner
• Schedule daily and weekly work to be accomplished
• Communicate with coaching staff and athletic administrators regarding schedules and ensures all stakeholders are aware of timing of product application, turf repairs, and so forth
• Safely operate power mowers, tractors, light trucks, edgers, clippers, and other handheld power tools used in the grounds maintenance industry; this requires the ability to stand, walk, crouch, and bend for extended periods of time and have dexterity with arms and hands
• Inspect and maintain equipment and machines following a preventative maintenance program
• Lay sod; water grounds; rake; pick up paper and other debris from assigned areas; install landscaping and repair hardscape; must be able to lift 25 pounds independently, and 50 pounds with a helper
• Assist in the set-up of various events held on the premises
• Maintain fencing and netting, provide paint touch-up as needed to fencing and other structures on the grounds; this requires the use of ladders and may require the use of a scissor lift or articulating lift
• Conduct periodic inspections of turfgrass and landscape material to assure appropriate measures are taken to prevent occurrence/reoccurrence of problems associated with a variety of fungus and pests
• Coordinate the repair and replacement of exterior lighting including game day lighting with maintenance staff and vendors as needed
• Support game day activities related to sports turf management; may be required to be present during athletic games after hours and on weekends
• Effectively plan and perform in a multi-task environment and meeting self- or pre-imposed objectives and deadlines; exercise the use of independent judgement
• May assist or perform light maintenance tasks at athletic buildings adjacent to the fields
• Abide by, and complies with, all University policies and procedures
• Assist in the oversight of outside vendors and contractors to assure their compliance with contractual obligations and the university’s standards of quality
• Perform other site and position specific duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions in English
• Ability to perform routine landscape and sports turf maintenance duties without immediate supervision
• Knowledge of best practices for landscape pest prevention and elimination for lawns, shrubs, and trees as prescribed by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
• Ability to use a variety of landscape maintenance products in a safe manner, according to manufacturer’s specifications
• Ability to operate mowers, spreaders, spray rigs, aerators, paint machines, pressure washers and associated landscape maintenance tools and power equipment
• Ability to apply recognized standards of good practice relevant to matters of safety, security, and grounds maintenance techniques
• Ability to effectively plan and coordinate multi-task requirements and meet self and pre-imposed objectives and deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, coaches, student athletes, fans, and the university community
• Ability to walk extensively outdoors, over rough or uneven surfaces, bend, stoop, climb, crouch, reach, and so forth
• Ability to work for extended periods of time in environments with extreme temperature and humidity common in Florida and may work in buildings without air conditioning, heating, or other comforts. May work in areas that are dusty, noisy, and areas that may have unpleasant odors.

Required Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Completion of applicable courses/training in sports turf maintenance and landscape pest management practices
• Three (3) years of related experience in turfgrass management of athletic fields, golf courses, or similar type of grounds maintenance
• Florida Commercial Pest Control Operator Certification and Florida Limited Lawn and Ornamental Certification are recommended within first 90 days of hire

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Salary Grade: 3