Superintendent of Grounds - Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent of Grounds provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management for all athletic fields, grounds, and exterior athletic facilities within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the maintenance, enhancement, and preparation of athletic competition and practice venues to ensure safe, championship-level playing surfaces and aesthetically maintained grounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three (3) years (36 months) of coursework in horticulture, landscape design, or a closely related field (30 semester hours equals one year, Associate’s Degree equals 18 months, 90 semester hours equals two years, Bachelor’s Degree equals three years).
Work experience in grounds maintenance.
Two (2) years (24 months) of supervisory work experience in grounds maintenance.
Valid Class C Driver’s license.
Knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with all applicable NCAA, Big Ten Conference, University, and Division of Intercollegiate Athletics rules and regulations.
Comprehensive knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance.
Proficiency in the operation, maintenance, and safe use of professional grounds equipment, including mowers, aerifiers, topdressers, tractors, utility vehicles, and other specialized turf maintenance equipment.
Working knowledge of irrigation systems, including operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and water management practices.
Knowledge of turfgrass management, including the safe and effective application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in accordance with applicable regulations.
Experience maintaining artificial athletic turf surfaces, including grooming, sanitation, and repair.
Knowledge of skinned infield maintenance, including grading, moisture management, and field preparation for competition.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff.
Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience.
Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations.
Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values.
Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel.
Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree, Master’s Degree, or other advanced degree in agronomy, turfgrass management, sports management, or other related field.
3-5 Years of continuous athletic field and turf supervision for a Division I, preferably Power 5 Athletic program.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, and supervision for all grounds staff, including assigning, monitoring, and evaluating daily work activities.
Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance programs for all athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and scheduling of all irrigation systems, pump stations, drainage systems, and related infrastructure.
Direct chemical, fertilizer, and turf management programs, ensuring compliance with University, state, and federal regulations.
Evaluate turf conditions and implement agronomic practices that provide safe, high-quality playing surfaces for practices, competitions, and special events.
Collaborate with coaches and sport administrators to coordinate maintenance schedules, facility improvements, and competition requirements while minimizing operational disruptions.
Serve as the department's subject matter expert on athletic field management and represent the Division with campus partners, industry organizations, vendors, and professional associations.
Research and recommend new technologies, equipment, and best practices to improve field performance, sustainability, and operational efficiencies.
Oversee the preparation, maintenance, conversion, and restoration of athletic venues for practices, competitions, camps, and special events.
Coordinate field and grounds operations for all home athletic events, ensuring facilities meet NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University standards.
Partner with Event Management and Facilities staff to develop timelines and operational plans for game-day activities and venue readiness.
Ensure athletic facilities, surrounding grounds, and support areas are maintained in a safe, functional, and visually appealing condition.
Monitor work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, and operational priorities, providing regular updates to Athletics Facilities leadership.
Promote and enforce safety procedures, environmental compliance, and risk management practices for staff, student-athletes, and visitors.
Assist in developing and managing the annual grounds maintenance budget, including forecasting operational and capital equipment needs.
Oversee purchasing of chemicals, fertilizers, seed, equipment, irrigation components, and other grounds-related supplies.
Monitor expenditures and recommend cost-effective solutions while maintaining championship-quality facilities.
Assist with personnel management activities including hiring, scheduling, training, payroll coordination, and performance evaluations.
Maintain operational records, inventory, regulatory documentation, and required reports.
Provide long-term planning and oversight for approximately 85 acres of athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities.
Develop recommendations for facility improvements, renovation projects, and capital replacement initiatives.
Participate in departmental planning efforts to enhance facility operations, sustainability, and customer service.
Foster collaborative relationships across Athletics and the University to support the Division's strategic priorities and operational excellence.