Description
Position Summary
Join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining world-class athletic and recreational facilities at SDSU. As the Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker, you will lead turf operations and ensure the highest standards of care for both natural and synthetic playing surfaces across campus. This role is essential to supporting SDSU Athletics, Aztec Recreation, and the broader university community.
You will be responsible for the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of athletic fields and landscaped areas, ensuring they are safe, visually appealing, and competition-ready. This includes coordinating field preparations for games and practices, managing turf health, and supervising student crews.
Why You Should Apply
Be a key player in SDSU Athletics: Support high-profile NCAA sports programs by delivering top-tier field conditions.
Lead with expertise: Use your turf management knowledge to influence field design, maintenance schedules, and safety protocols.
Work in a vibrant campus environment: Maintain diverse and beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance student experience.
Collaborate across departments: Partner with Athletics, Aztec Recreation, and Facilities Services to meet strategic goals.
Grow your leadership skills: Hire, train, and supervise student crews while contributing to budget planning and policy development.
Make a visible impact: Your work directly supports athletic performance, campus aesthetics, and community pride.
Commitment to safety and excellence: Champion best practices in workplace safety, communication, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate turf operations for athletic and recreational fields.
Manage field preparation for games, practices, and events.
Conduct turf analysis, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
Supervise student crews and assist with staffing needs.
Ensure compliance with SDSU, NCAA, and conference regulations.
Maintain a clean, safe, and well-functioning work environment.
Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Promote safety awareness and implement hazard controls.
Ready to take the field? Apply now and help shape the future of SDSU’s athletic and recreational landscape.
Position Information
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026, with the possibility of reappointment.
This position is designated as non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.
Education and Experience
Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees. General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds; approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication, horticultural methods, and materials; and planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California.
Ability to lay out, coordinate, and oversee the work of others; provide training, interpret policies and explain methods and procedures; inspect and evaluate the work of others; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.
Key Qualifications
Two years’ experience in a related field (i.e., Athletic Fields, Soil Management, Agronomy).
Two years’ sports/athletics field preparation experience.
Must possess excellent prioritization and task completion skills involving multiple schedules to perform in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
Must have thorough knowledge of the latest methods, materials and equipment used in sports turf management and NCAA Division I or professional athletic field construction and maintenance. Knowledge of the parameters and dimensions of all collegiate athletic events (playing fields, courts, track events, etc.).
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with coaches, administration, and internal/external customers. Must demonstrate knowledge of effective leadership practices and techniques. Must demonstrate initiative and sound problem-solving skills. Must possess a strong customer-service philosophy.
Knowledge of NCAA field layouts and painting techniques. Experience maintaining athletic fields, preferably at the NCAA Division I or professional sports level is preferred.
Ability to cultivate and maintain warm season grass varieties, specifically hybrid Bermuda and overseeding practices.
Two-year degree with emphasis in sports turf management (or completed coursework in horticulture, sports turf management, turf grass science, or a related field) is preferred.
Sports Turf Managers certification. Commercial Applicator Certificate (of pesticides) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver’s License within 10 days of hire.
Qualified Applicator’s License (if not already attained, must complete within three months of hire).
Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.
Hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,907/month.
Full Benefits Package Includes:
Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation.
Requirements
Education and Experience
Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees. General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds; approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication, horticultural methods, and materials; and planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California.
Ability to lay out, coordinate, and oversee the work of others; provide training, interpret policies and explain methods and procedures; inspect and evaluate the work of others; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.
Key Qualifications
Two years’ experience in a related field (i.e., Athletic Fields, Soil Management, Agronomy).
Two years’ sports/athletics field preparation experience.
Must possess excellent prioritization and task completion skills involving multiple schedules to perform in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
Must have thorough knowledge of the latest methods, materials and equipment used in sports turf management and NCAA Division I or professional athletic field construction and maintenance. Knowledge of the parameters and dimensions of all collegiate athletic events (playing fields, courts, track events, etc.).
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with coaches, administration, and internal/external customers. Must demonstrate knowledge of effective leadership practices and techniques. Must demonstrate initiative and sound problem-solving skills. Must possess a strong customer-service philosophy.
Knowledge of NCAA field layouts and painting techniques. Experience maintaining athletic fields, preferably at the NCAA Division I or professional sports level is preferred.
Ability to cultivate and maintain warm season grass varieties, specifically hybrid Bermuda and overseeding practices.
Two-year degree with emphasis in sports turf management (or completed coursework in horticulture, sports turf management, turf grass science, or a related field) is preferred.
Sports Turf Managers certification. Commercial Applicator Certificate (of pesticides) issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver’s License within 10 days of hire.
Qualified Applicator’s License (if not already attained, must complete within three months of hire).
Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.
Hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,907/month.
Full Benefits Package Includes:
Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation.
