Senior Athletic Turf Technician (56789)

City of Wentzville, Missouri • Wentzville, MO

40d • $31 - $33

About The Position

This position plays a key role in maintaining the natural and synthetic sports turf fields used by athletes and the community across City athletic complexes. This experienced team member performs skilled turf maintenance work while also serving as a working field leader. The role trains and guides crew members, coordinates daily tasks, and helps ensure athletic fields are safe, playable, and looking their best for every game.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience in sports turf care, landscaping, or irrigation maintenance required
• Two years of experience in a leadership role preferred.
• Job-relevant certification/license, vocational/technical program completion, or completion of an apprenticeship is required.
• College-level coursework that includes business, sport turf management, or a related field is preferred.
• Additional job-related advanced degrees or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Journey-level experience in sport turf, golf course, landscaping maintenance or related trade required.
• Experience in interpreting and working from landscaping blueprints and/or specifications required.
• Certifications preferred, or ability to obtain within 180 days of employment required: Missouri Department of Agriculture Applicators license with category 3 Ornamental and Turf Certification Valid Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement Must possess or be able to obtain a First-Aid/CPR certification within one year of hire date.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of natural and synthetic sports turf surfaces.
• Thorough knowledge of most current industry’s irrigation system brands (Toro, Rain Bird, Hunter), including operation, programming, design, maintenance, and seasonal adjustments.
• General knowledge of safety procedures and precautions associated with outdoor green industry services and in establishing safe working zones with respect to traffic control.
• General knowledge of preventive maintenance associated with small equipment maintenance.
• General knowledge of personal computers, including word processing software, performing internet searches, and downloading, importing and e-mailing photos and other documents.
• Ability to inspect plant materials and properly diagnose disease and pest infestations, and recommend appropriate programs of treatment.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate motorized equipment such as push and riding mowers, utility vehicles, golf carts, tractors, skid loaders, mechanical trenchers, backpack blowers and sprayers, etc.
• Ability to judge distances accurately and to read and interpret maps, manuals, and schematics is required.
• Ability to prepare and track maintenance and inspection plans.
• Ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers by telephone, in writing, and in person.
• Ability to use good judgment and think rationally in difficult or stressful situations.
• Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work, as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize routine and robust tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently under moderate supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to work under established processes and solve problems within defined parameters.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles used to transport materials, tools, and equipment.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential job duty.
• Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience in a leadership role preferred.
• College-level coursework that includes business, sport turf management, or a related field is preferred.
• Additional job-related advanced degrees or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Certifications preferred, or ability to obtain within 180 days of employment required
• Certified Sports Turf Manager Certificate desired.

Responsibilities

• Athletic Field & Turf Care Prepare and maintain natural and synthetic athletic fields used for baseball, softball, soccer, football, and other sports.
• Implement best turf care practices, including mowing, aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, watering, plugging, spraying, thatching, and installing turf by seed or sod.
• Develop and maintain appropriate soil conditions for healthy turf growth in the local region.
• Inspect fields daily to evaluate playability, safety, and maintenance needs.
• Monitor turf for pests, fungi, or disease and apply appropriate treatments in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain irrigation systems, including adjusting flow rates, programming controllers, troubleshooting issues, and repairing system components.
• Facility & Grounds Maintenance Perform general maintenance of athletic facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Install and repair fences, goal posts, batting cage netting, bleachers, benches, and other recreational equipment.
• Assist with the layout and setup of new or temporary athletic fields.
• Maintain overall grounds appearance through debris removal, leaf cleanup, and general upkeep.
• Conduct safety inspections of playgrounds, facilities, and maintenance equipment.
• Projects, Records & Coordination Plan and oversee turf-related projects such as sod installation, high-traffic turf repair, mound and batter’s box maintenance, and field surface improvements.
• Maintain synthetic field surfaces, including seams, joints, and infill levels.
• Track maintenance activities and maintain records, including equipment logs and safety inspections.
• Work with the Horticulture Manager to establish field maintenance standards and goals.
• Communicate with athletic supervisors, affiliates, and the public regarding field conditions and park use.

Benefits

• The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, five personal days, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree