Athletic Grounds Specialist

Sarasota County Government

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Sarasota County’s Parks team as an Athletic Grounds Specialist and play a key role in maintaining the fields where our community comes together to play, compete, and celebrate. In this hands-on role, you’ll be responsible for the safe and effective application of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals across North County Sports Complexes and surrounding athletic fields and parks. You’ll also assist with ongoing park maintenance and improvements to help ensure our athletic facilities remain safe, healthy, and game-ready year-round.

Requirements

High School Diploma or its equivalent
Two (2) years of experience with chemical application, athletic field maintenance and/or renovation
Obtain a Turf and Ornamental Spray License within six months at time of hire
Valid Florida driver's license at time of hire

Nice To Haves

Proficient in the operation of heavy landscape and field maintenance equipment
Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, materials and equipment applicable to the position
Ability to endure long periods of standing, manual labor, and to work under hot and humid conditions

Responsibilities

Herbicide, pesticide, and other chemical spray applications on athletic fields and within parks
Manage the handling and storage of herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides
Execute the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) for athletic fields.
Troubleshoot chemical deficiencies and apply proper corrective solutions of chemicals according to set standards.
When dealing with continuous or predictable pests, take appropriate preventative measures to control plant damage
Oversee and participate in the preparation and application of a variety of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and other pest and disease eradication and control chemicals, as necessary
Manage the handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides
Maintain records of chemicals used to ensure accurate product inventory and maintain compliance with state and federal law
Perform proper calibration on chemical sprayers and granular spreaders
Conduct field and grounds inspections to assess the presence of pests and general turf health
Assist with implementing annual renovation projects
Perform field maintenance duties, including aerating, mowing, vertical cutting, weed abatement, top dressing, and other duties as required
Operate special equipment in the maintenance, repair, and renovation of athletic facilities, including but not limited to: Versa Vacs, Top Dressers, Drum Rollers, Sod Cutters, Aerators, etc.
Conduct park patrols and general inspections of athletic facilities to ensure the safety of the public; report potential safety hazards or maintenance issues to the supervisor for follow-up, as necessary
Assist other teams in the maintenance and improvement of parks, park amenities, and infrastructure