South Campus Athletic Field & Grounds Manager

San José State University • San José, CA

2d

About The Position

The South Campus Athletic Field & Grounds Manager works under the direction of the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape & Recycling and supports the implementation of comprehensive grounds, landscape, irrigation, and recycling service plans and schedules for South Campus. The incumbent manages the daily operations of the South Campus Grounds Services team within Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O), delivering a wide range of routine and specialized grounds care services in support of a Division I Athletics environment. In this role, the incumbent oversees resource allocation based on operational priorities while ensuring continuity of operations, with an emphasis on sustainable Division I athletic grounds management practices. The incumbent is directly responsible for implementing and overseeing routine and specialized maintenance plans and schedules for all assigned areas, including the tracking of key performance metrics and quality control standards. The role utilizes the FD&O computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to ensure periodic maintenance is properly scheduled, executed, and documented.

Requirements

• Knowledge of grounds, landscape, irrigation, arboriculture, and athletic field management in a large, complex environment
• Knowledge of sustainable and organic land care practices, including soil health management, organic fertilizers, and IPM
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, and implement comprehensive grounds and athletic field maintenance programs
• Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate staff in a represented and diverse workforce
• Knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and pesticide regulations and compliance requirements
• Ability to analyze operational data, develop performance metrics, and implement service improvements
• Ability to deliver high-level customer service and manage competing priorities in a high-visibility athletics setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to work effectively with campus partners, leadership, contractors, and staff
• Ability to interpret landscape and design plans and coordinate complex maintenance and improvement projects
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain continuity of operations
• Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, a minimum of two years of which are associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Three years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex, of which a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans
• A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Nice To Haves

• Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California, or Certified IPM Technician (CIT)
• Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society
• Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices
• Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCA
• Certified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation Association
• NOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification, or equivalent training in organic land management
• Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment
• Experience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methods
• Experience in grounds services management of a State facility, College or University, or other environment with extensive grounds
• Experience managing grounds services and operations in a high level NCAA or professional sports environment

Responsibilities

• Oversees all South Campus grounds, landscape, irrigation, and Division I athletic field maintenance operations
• Develops, implements, and manages preventive maintenance programs, service standards, and work plans for grounds and athletic facilities
• Manages athletic field turf systems to ensure safety, playability, and compliance with NCAA Division I standards
• Implements and oversees Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in compliance with state, federal, and organic standards
• Manages irrigation systems and water conservation initiatives, including scheduling, leak detection, and drought-responsive practices
• Supervises grounds personnel, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, and corrective action
• Serves as primary point of contact for Athletics, Club Sports, and Kinesiology regarding field use, scheduling, and service coordination
• Oversees use of the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to schedule work, track performance, and document labor and resources
• Establishes quality control programs and performance metrics to monitor service delivery and drive continuous improvement
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations, supports emergency response activities, and advances sustainability and stewardship initiatives

Benefits

• San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary.
• For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager