Turf & Grounds Manager | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group•Evanston, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Turf & Grounds Manager is responsible for the maintenance, care, safety, and presentation of Ryan Field's playing surface, stadium field areas, and surrounding grounds. This position ensures the field is maintained to the highest standards for NCAA Division I football, concerts, and other special events. The Turf & Grounds Manager oversees turf maintenance, field markings and logos, infill management, field inspections, irrigation and drainage systems, field protection, and event-related field preparation. The position works closely with Northwestern Athletics, Event Management, Operations, Facilities, and event partners to ensure the field and surrounding grounds are safe, functional, and event-ready. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the athletic and event schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of experience maintaining athletic fields, sports turf, stadium grounds, or similar facilities.
Demonstrated experience maintaining athletic turf systems.
Knowledge of turf maintenance, infill management, field testing, drainage, and field protection systems.
Experience operating and maintaining turf and grounds equipment.
Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive physical tasks.
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Heavier items with assistance.
Ability to operate turf and grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation.
Experience supporting NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, or major stadiums.
Experience with turf systems used for football or other high-level athletic competition.
Experience managing field conversions for concerts and large-scale special events.
Knowledge of NCAA field requirements and applicable turf testing standards.
Illinois Pesticide Applicator License, where applicable.
Experience managing contractors, vendors, budgets, and seasonal staff.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily and seasonal maintenance of Ryan Field's turf playing surface and surrounding grounds.
Develop and implement a comprehensive turf maintenance program, including routine grooming, cleaning, infill management, decompaction, and surface inspection.
Monitor turf performance, surface conditions, drainage, seams, infill levels, and other field components to identify maintenance or repair needs.
Coordinate regular testing and evaluation of the playing surface to ensure compliance with NCAA and applicable industry standards.
Manage field preparation for football games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events.
Coordinate field painting, striping, logos, graphics, and other field markings.
Oversee the installation, use, and removal of field protection systems, temporary flooring, and other event-related materials.
Develop procedures to minimize damage and maintain the integrity of the turf during event conversions.
Inspect the field before and after events and document any damage or required repairs.
Manage maintenance of stadium grounds, landscaped areas, walkways, plazas, and other exterior areas surrounding the venue.
Oversee irrigation and drainage systems serving the field and surrounding grounds.
Maintain and manage turf and grounds equipment, tools, vehicles, and supplies.
Develop preventative maintenance schedules for field and grounds equipment.
Manage, train, and schedule full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract grounds personnel as applicable.
Manage inventory of turf materials, infill, paint, field supplies, equipment, and replacement components.
Coordinate with contractors and vendors performing specialized turf, field, irrigation, drainage, or grounds services.
Assist with snow and ice removal and severe weather preparation and response as needed.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, NCAA standards, university policies, and Oak View Group procedures.
Maintain accurate records related to field inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, testing, inventory, and equipment.
Develop and manage departmental budgets and assist with purchasing and vendor management.
Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Director of Operations to ensure the field and grounds are fully prepared for scheduled events.
Operate turf and grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
Perform other duties as assigned.