Assistant AD for Grounds

Naval Academy Athletic Association•Annapolis, MD

11d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Athletic Director for Grounds is responsible for the daily maintenance, preparation, and overall playing condition of assigned Naval Academy Athletic Association athletic fields. This hands-on position maintains three natural Bermuda grass athletic fields and one artificial turf field, providing safe, high-quality playing surfaces for varsity practices, competitions, and special events. The position is also the primary NAAA liaison to the government contractor responsible for maintaining additional natural grass and synthetic turf athletic fields used by Navy varsity athletic programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or a related field; significant relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
Three to five years of experience maintaining high-quality athletic fields.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated experience maintaining Bermuda grass athletic fields.
Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, and repairing irrigation systems.
Knowledge of mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, pest management, field painting, and athletic field preparation.
Ability to independently diagnose turf, irrigation, drainage, and field-condition issues.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable pesticide or fertilizer certifications as required.
Ability to operate tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, aerators, sprayers, field-painting equipment, and other grounds-maintenance equipment.
Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on athletic schedules and field conditions.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be eligible to work on a military installation, including willingness to submit to a background screen.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
This is an in-person position.

Nice To Haves

Turf certificate.
Three to five years of experience maintaining collegiate or professional sports fields.
Experience maintaining synthetic or artificial turf athletic fields.
Experience working with contractors and evaluating contracted grounds-maintenance services.

Responsibilities

Perform and coordinate maintenance of three Bermuda grass athletic fields and one artificial turf field.
Serve as the primary NAAA liaison to the government grounds-maintenance contractor responsible for six Bermuda grass and three turf varsity athletic fields.
Develop and implement seasonal turf management programs, including mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, irrigation, pest management, and field repair.
Prepare fields for varsity practices and competitions through mowing, grooming, lining, painting, field marking, and equipment setup.
Monitor field conditions and recommend field use, recovery periods, and maintenance requirements.
Operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair athletic field irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, piping, pumps, and related components.
Develop and manage irrigation schedules based on field conditions, weather, turf requirements, and event schedules.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on grounds equipment and coordinate larger equipment repairs.
Maintain the artificial turf field according to manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices, including grooming, infill management, cleaning, inspections, and minor repairs.
Coordinate field schedules and maintenance activities with coaches, athletic staff, Facilities, and Event Operations.
Monitor contractor performance and field conditions; communicate deficiencies, priorities, schedules, and varsity program requirements.
Inspect contractor-maintained fields regularly and document conditions and maintenance concerns.
Coordinate with appropriate government representatives regarding contractor performance, maintenance requirements, and field-related issues.
Maintain records of field maintenance, irrigation repairs, applications, inspections, equipment maintenance, and significant field conditions.
Assist with planning and budgeting for turf replacement, irrigation improvements, equipment purchases, and other grounds-related capital needs.
Support athletic and special events requiring grounds or field preparation.
Perform other duties as assigned.