(Class Code: 0948) (PSA)
Position Description
TITLE: Manager, Turfgrass and Athletic Grounds
DIVISION: Administration (Facilities)
REPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Facilities Services (Lands & Grounds)
GRADE: 11
SUPERVISES: Grounds workers in the Department of Athletics, Research Assistants and/or Research Associates, students and/or others assigned to assist with projects
BASIC FUNCTION:
Manage the
University’s turf areas, including campus landscapes and sports turf
areas. Communicate and coordinate sports
turf fields use with the Department of Athletics, Department of Recreation, and
Special Events Staff. Develop a
technical support system for the University’s turfgrass fields
(research/outreach turf fields, recreational athletic fields, and intercollegiate
athletics fields) through collaboration with turfgrass specialists on campus,
and with representatives from the
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and
implement best management practices (BMPs) to achieve
the highest possible standard for the University’s recreational and intercollegiate
sports fields.
Supervise Department
of Athletics’ grounds operations and assigned workers.
Manage, inspect,
and document construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance projects. Manage
construction and maintenance contracts for Facilities Services, and provide
oversight for landscape projects for other University departments, including
the Office of Capital Projects.
Provide information, training, and limited on-site consulting services for clients on matters of turfgrass production and maintenance, sustainable practices, and other turf viability and management interests and concerns.
Coordinate and collaborate with University turfgrass experts on research and outreach activities.
Collaborate with and make recommendations to University Facilities Services and Athletics Departments to develop a systematic approach to turfgrass management with a goal of developing exceptional quality playing surfaces for the University’s student athletes, visitors, and external users.
Manage the summer field use of athletic and recreational
turf fields to optimize revenue opportunities and to showcase campus facilities.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teach classes and/or labs in turfgrass culture/management during academic semesters. Actively advise/supervise undergraduate/graduate students.
Work with Web development and content specialists to create and maintain Internet and other electronic communications channels for client intake and referral, information access, networking, and interactive communications.
Develop and implement projects on the University’s sports
turf areas. Establish and cultivate
collaborative relationships with University faculty/staff, strategic partners,
turf industry representatives, and professional turf organizations in
Evaluate and provide recommendation on products, tools, and equipment used to cultivate, maintain, and use University turf areas.
Undertake project announcement and promotional activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers; word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software; pesticide certification (research and development applicator); valid driver’s license; willingness to travel throughout the State and region.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is frequently exposed to ambient environmental conditions. Must be willing to work outside and with pesticides.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: M.S. in Plant Sciences, Turfgrass Management, Turf Pathology, or closely related field; three years of hands-on experience in turfgrass management, commercial agriculture, or closely related field; supervisory experience overseeing athletic and recreational playing fields as are typical at NCAA level of play; knowledge of turfgrass equipment maintenance and repair; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to organize, coordinate, and supervise support staff; pesticide certification (research and development applicator); strong interpersonal skills. Preferred: Working knowledge of communication systems, including development and maintenance of Web pages and listservs; grant writing experience.
TO APPLY:
Submit (no emails or faxes,
please) a resume
and cover letter postmarked by 07-03-09 to:
Jerome B. Sidio, Search Chair
Requisition # 12550
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881
An Affirmative
Action/Equal
ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY
ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
The