Athletic Grounds Specialist

Sarasota County Government

8d • $20

About The Position

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

Requirements

• High School Diploma or its equivalent AND 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
• Ability to endure long periods of standing, manual labor, and to work under hot and humid conditions
• Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years

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

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

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• 11 paid holidays
• 3 personal days
• 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees