Turf Specialist - Public Services

Mt Thompson South Carolina•Mount Pleasant, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Turf Specialist performs skilled work in the maintenance, care, and improvement of natural and artificial turf, landscapes, and grounds at municipal parks, athletic fields, recreation facilities, and public properties. This position ensures safe, high-quality, and visually appealing conditions through turf management, landscape maintenance, and field preparation activities. The position operates specialized equipment, applies approved turf treatments and, provides technical guidance to staff performing treatment applications, as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf Management, Turfgrass Science, or Agronomy or related field andTwo (2) years of progressively responsible experience in athletic field or turf management Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid South Carolina Driver’s License
Must have or obtain South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of date of hire

Nice To Haves

Sports Field Management Association Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
Turfgrass management certification from Clemson University, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), or comparable recognized organization

Responsibilities

Performs maintenance of natural turf areas including mowing, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, topdressing, edging, pest management, and related turf care activities
Maintains athletic fields, “Grand Lawn” areas, and other high-use recreational spaces to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality playing and event surfaces
Monitors turf and soil conditions and identifies issues such as disease, compaction, drainage problems, pest infestations, wear patterns, and soil deficiencies; performs or recommends corrective maintenance and treatments as needed
Conducts and/or reviews soil testing to evaluate nutrient levels, soil composition, and treatment needs for turf and landscaped areas
Performs turf recovery and restoration following special events, tournaments, heavy or abusive use, or weather-related damage, including divot repair, compaction relief, overseeding, and surface conditioning
Maintains and improves park turf and common grounds to meet established Town standards for appearance, safety, and usability
Establishes, maintains, and transitions seasonal turf areas including rye grass or other overseeding programs to ensure year-round field quality and playability
Maintains artificial turf systems including grooming, brushing, debris removal, cleaning, and infill redistribution to ensure safe playing conditions
Identifies and reports artificial turf damage, seam separation, drainage issues, or surface deficiencies requiring repair
Operates turf and landscape equipment including mowers, trimmers, aerators, sprayers, blowers, spreaders, and related tools
Applies fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pre-emergents, and other approved turf and landscape treatments in accordance with safety procedures, applicable certifications, and state and federal regulations
Maintains records and logs of chemical applications, inspections, and treatments in accordance with applicable regulations and departmental procedures
Assists in training and monitoring staff in safe pesticide handling, application procedures, equipment operation, and turf maintenance practices, as assigned
Assists in turf renovation and improvement projects, including sod installation and restoration of damaged areas
Prepares facilities and grounds for special events, athletic events, and public use, adjusting maintenance activities as required
Communicates field conditions, hazards, or maintenance needs to supervisors and appropriate personnel
Coordinates with irrigation specialist regarding field conditions impacted by watering schedules or system performance
Ensures equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and reported for repair when necessary
Performs manual labor in support of departmental operations as required
Responds to weather-related conditions, emergencies, and urgent maintenance needs
Performs other related duties as assigned