Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University Facilities Services is seeking an experienced and dependable Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker to provide lead direction to grounds staff and coordinate and perform the maintenance, preparation, improvement, and repair of athletic fields and surrounding grounds for SDSU Athletics and Aztec Recreation. The position helps ensure safe, attractive, high-quality playing surfaces for practices, competitions, and special events, while supporting turf management, field operations, equipment maintenance, and staff training.

The role provides lead direction to Athletic Fields Groundsworkers, trains employees, inspects work, maintains work and cost records, and promotes a safe work environment. It also performs and oversees maintenance of natural and synthetic athletic fields and surrounding grounds, evaluates field conditions, and determines appropriate grooming, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, and other maintenance needs.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary, non-exempt position eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Thursday through Monday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but may vary with operational needs. The position works on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Athletic Field Operations maintains approximately 11 acres of natural and synthetic athletic fields supporting NCAA Division I competition and practice, recreational and instructional activities, and campus and external events.

The CSU classification salary range is $3,890–$5,555 per month (Step 1–Step 19), with placement based on qualifications and experience. Initial placement is not expected to exceed Step 19. The position is eligible for a lead athletic fields performance bonus under applicable CSUEU collective bargaining agreements and CSU policies.

Requirements

• Equivalent to two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime, and respond to emergencies based on athletic, event, and weather-related operational needs.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in turf management, soil management, and plant and tree care.
• General knowledge of plant diseases, pests, weeds, and accepted control and eradication methods.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, train, and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to inspect and evaluate work quality and provide effective instruction and guidance.
• Knowledge of athletic field maintenance practices, including turf management, irrigation, and field preparation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, administrators, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

• Prior lead or supervisory experience in grounds or athletic field maintenance operations.
• Experience maintaining athletic fields at the NCAA Division I, collegiate, professional, or comparable level.
• Knowledge of NCAA and conference field requirements, athletic event operations, and field preparation requirements for competition, practice, recreational use, and special events.
• Experience maintaining warm-season turfgrass varieties, including hybrid Bermuda grass and overseeding programs.
• Associate degree or coursework in Sports Turf Management, Turfgrass Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) certification or equivalent professional certification.
• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC).

Responsibilities

• Provide lead direction to Athletic Fields Groundsworkers, including assigning work, monitoring progress, and inspecting completed work for quality and compliance with departmental standards.
• Train employees in athletic field maintenance techniques, equipment operation, and workplace safety practices.
• Conduct quality-control inspections and ensure work is completed efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain accurate records of labor, project costs, and work activities using university facilities management systems.
• Identify hazards, document concerns, and ensure compliance with university safety requirements.
• Perform and oversee mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, litter removal, irrigation monitoring, and landscape maintenance.
• Maintain natural and synthetic athletic fields to ensure safe, high-quality playing conditions.
• Evaluate field conditions and determine appropriate grooming, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, and maintenance requirements.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices.
• Operate and monitor irrigation systems to support athletic turf health and performance.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, and legal and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
• Lead athletic fields performance bonus in accordance with applicable CSUEU collective bargaining agreements and CSU policies.
• Overtime compensation eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed