Career Center

Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder Athletic Department encourages applications for a Turf Groundskeeper! The Turf Groundskeeper is part of the Turf Management team and is responsible for the maintenance and preparation of athletic facilities for practices, competitions, and special events. Preparations of these facilities are in accordance with all National Collegiate Athletic Association and Pac-12 Conference rules and regulations and are established through environmentally sound cultural practices that promote safe playing conditions. This position will assist the Director of Athletic Grounds and primary facility contacts in the day-to-day turf management operations of all athletic facilities in preparation for practices, competitions, and special events.
This position is responsible for promoting the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program. This shall include adhering to the principles of the Athletics Department’s Mission Statement, Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement, Core Values, Policies and Procedures, as well as the rules and regulations of the University, the PAC 12 Conference and the NCAA.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Turf Management:
Assist with maintenance/preparation of all athletic facilities for practices, competitions, and special events. Assist in the execution of the turf management maintenance schedule. Assist with irrigation repairs; fertilizer/seed applications; and field renovations. Operate equipment including, mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, hand and power tools, utility vehicles, tractors, spreaders, aerifyers, and others pertaining to turfgrass maintenance. Implement sound cultural practices to ensure turfgrass health and student athlete safety. Identify and address all immediate issues regarding the athletic field or facility including: remove/repair vandalism, irrigation system, field heating system, and disease and drought stresses. Determine which piece of equipment is most appropriate for a given area to complete the desired work. Determine turf areas needing additional seeding and more or less fertilizing; rates for overseeding in turf areas; if areas are too wet or too dry to apply cultural practices. Address mechanical problems that occasionally occur with equipment.

Event Preparation:
Assist with the preparation of facilities for practices, competitions, and special events. This includes athletic field layout and field/logo painting, site set-up, and general cleaning. Assist with the installation of field protection system for special events (concerts, graduations, etc.).

Snow and Ice Removal:
Remove snow and ice from athletic fields and Athletic Department facilities, including sidewalks, entrances, stairs, and loading docks. Apply ice melt chemical to facility areas as needed. Complete snow removal from fields and facilities in preparation of practices and competitions using a variety of equipment, including shovels, utility vehicles, tractors, and skid steers.

Vehicle/Equipment Maintenance, Storage, Auxiliary Events, Women ‘s Lacrosse:
Complete preventative maintenance schedule for all turf maintenance equipment, including mowers, trimmers, utility vehicles, tractors, blowers, edgers, etc. Perform minor maintenance repairs on equipment or vehicles including changing and sharpening rotary blades, changing aeration tines, changing engine oil and filters, and greasing fittings. Diagnose equipment problems and repair if capable, if not, communicate with supervisor to arrange for professional maintenance. Conduct routine inspections of equipment and storage areas. Complete field layout and field painting for the university marching band. Complete snow removal from university Recreation Center synthetic turf fields and complete court layout, court taping, and placement of basketball hoops for Athletic Department basketball camps. Prepare facilities for events sponsored by the Athletic Department at sites off campus rented by the Athletic Department. Assist with painting at Colorado National Golf Course. Assist with facility/field preparation for lacrosse practices and competitions.

Safety:
Contribute to a safe working environment for self, co-workers, students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Adhere to safety guidelines, especially concerning equipment operation and the use of personal protective equipment. Determine safe site location, level, and provide safety information for scissor lifts used by television crews and staff members. Monitor weather conditions to determine a safe working height and communicate to personnel in scissor lifts.

What You Should Know
6:30am – 3:00pm, M-F with extended hours and weekends for events.

What We Can Offer
The starting salary rate is $42,000 annually, with significant overtime.
Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.
Additional Athletics benefits include:
Athletic Event Tickets: Per Athletic Department Policy and NCAA regulations, Nike Elite Employee Benefit: Per Nike Elite Policy.

What We Require:
One year of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance of athletic fields.
Valid Driver’s License.
Ability and willingness to work significant and irregular hours which includes all home football games, concerts and other athletic and special events.

What You Will Need:
Understanding of athletic field management.

What We Would Like You to Have
Associates degree in turf management or similar field.
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance of athletic fields at the collegiate level or higher.

Special Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by October 8, 2023 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, to apply please visit the following CU jobs website: CU Boulder Jobs.