Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician)
About The Position
James Madison University’s Facilities Management is seeking a Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) to help ensure the safety, playability, and aesthetics of sports turf facilities. Previous sports turf experience is helpful but not necessary; the role offers an opportunity to join a growing team and learn valuable skills. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Overtime may be required for special events and inclement weather, and the schedule may change during summer months. The employee must work all home football games and, as a designated employee essential to university operations, must work during authorized closings. This full-time, classified, non-exempt position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus: $1,000 after six months in the position and the remaining $1,000 after 12 months. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Requirements
- Ability to learn to use turfgrass-maintenance equipment, including complex reel and rotary mowers, hand tools, weedeaters, edgers, and tractors with attachments.
- Ability to work independently, adapt to changing work environments and schedules, and perform physical labor for extended periods.
- Effective communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- Must be at least 19 years old at the time of hire.
- Valid driver’s license held for a total of at least 24 months at the time of hire, and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
- Virginia Pesticide Registered Technician’s License, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire. Facilities Management will provide training tools and support.
Nice To Haves
- Virginia Certified Fertilizer Applicator License, or willingness to obtain it.
- Working knowledge of landscape maintenance, turfgrass management practices, and associated equipment.
- Previous sports turf experience.
Responsibilities
- Perform general landscape maintenance.
- Maintain athletic fields, including managing synthetic and natural turfgrass.
- Conduct daily field inspections.
- Operate landscape equipment and inspect irrigation equipment.
- Lead the work of assigned wage and summer staff.
- Safely apply pesticides and fertilizers.
- Work all home football games.
- Work during periods of authorized closings as a designated employee essential to university operations.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Health insurance options.
- Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Balanced Dukes employee well-being program, with wellness and work-life integration resources, events, and support.
- Tuition waiver for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
- $2,000 sign-on bonus, paid in two installments: $1,000 after six months and $1,000 after 12 months.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
