Since 2006, the State College Spikes have been providing fun, affordable family entertainment and the future of baseball to residents of State College, Centre County, and the entire Happy Valley region in the center of Pennsylvania. The Spikes’ home, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, is in the shadow of Beaver Stadium on the campus of Penn State University and is shared with the Penn State Baseball team. In addition, the Spikes are a charter member of the MLB Draft League, providing the first step towards the major leagues for prospects from across the nation.
As part of the extensive renovation projects at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the Spikes’ Sports Turf Manager will have the responsibility and ability to maintain a brand-new field installed in the fall of 2023.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the preparation of the playing field for baseball-related and special event activity as well as facilitate the set up/breakdown of all necessary equipment for each throughout the year.
- Oversee all aspects of maintaining a baseball field to professional standards for both the Spikes and Penn State Baseball, including spring and fall workouts.
- Manage all field prep for the Spikes and Penn State Baseball, including, but not limited to, turf management, fertilization, and disease control, edging, mound and plate prep, warning track maintenance, and infield playing surface maintenance.
- Facilitate the infield tarp while monitoring weather conditions to ensure playability and player safety.
- Serve as a key point of contact with umpires, players, coaches and front office staff in weather-related situations.
- Perform post-game field and turf maintenance as necessary.
- Operate and maintain all equipment in a safe manner and keep in excellent working condition.
- Maintain and repair irrigation system.
- Develop and maintain a fertilization, herbicide and fungicide program.
- Prepare and carry out an off-season field/turf maintenance program, including over-seeding.
- Assist the Operations Department with stadium operation tasks that relate to the general upkeep and cleanliness of the ballpark.
- Effectively manage a budget as assigned by Management that will include, but will not be limited to, supplies, equipment, and game day personnel’s wages.
- Hire, schedule, train, and manage all interns and part-time, game day field staff.
- Develop a relationship with home and visiting managers to coordinate pre-game batting practice and attend to any specific needs.
- Maintain a positive relationship with umpires.
- Keep a clean and organized shop/compound.
- Assist in coordination of fireworks and fall-out crew.
- Assist Operations Department in off-season projects including but not limited to painting, carpentry, and general maintenance.
- Perform additional duties as needed.
Qualifications
- 1 year or more as a head groundskeeper
- A working knowledge of all aspects of turf management including but not limited to fertilization, disease control, edging, mound and plate maintenance, warning track maintenance, and infield playing surface maintenance.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods standing, walking, reaching, bending, grasping, lifting, carrying, climbing ladders, kneeling, and pulling.
- Ability to lift to 75 pounds repetitively and for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to operate machinery and manage preventative maintenance for all equipment.
- In-season ability to work games, additional events, and field preparation. Long hours each day and week should be expected.
Salary/Compensation
- Salary Commensurate with experience
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with Match
- Paid Vacation
