Sports Turf Specialist I

Position Function:

This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of all Mississippi State University athletic fields and grounds areas.

Salary Grade :  12

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs all aspects of the establishment, maintenance, and repair of standard and specialized turf areas, which may includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution.
   
2. Assists in the preparation and maintenance of all fields for practices, events, and games. Includes prep dirt work, lines, turf management, watering, chemical application, fertilizer application, etc.
   
3. Responsible for assisting in scheduling and routing of personnel and equipment to accomplish the work in support of the University’s outdoor athletic facilities and fields.
   
4. Responsible for inspecting and testing the fields and related areas to evaluate how well management standards are being achieved and to make changes in management programs to ensure quality athletic fields for practice and competition.
   
5. Responsible for assisting in planning project work for athletic fields and common areas by applying agronomic and administrative expertise to achieve the maintenance standards and long-range goals.
   
6. Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Position Function:

This position is responsible for the maintenance and operation of all Mississippi State University athletic fields and grounds areas.

Salary Grade :  12

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs all aspects of the establishment, maintenance, and repair of standard and specialized turf areas, which may includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution.
   
2. Assists in the preparation and maintenance of all fields for practices, events, and games. Includes prep dirt work, lines, turf management, watering, chemical application, fertilizer application, etc.
   
3. Responsible for assisting in scheduling and routing of personnel and equipment to accomplish the work in support of the University’s outdoor athletic facilities and fields.
   
4. Responsible for inspecting and testing the fields and related areas to evaluate how well management standards are being achieved and to make changes in management programs to ensure quality athletic fields for practice and competition.
   
5. Responsible for assisting in planning project work for athletic fields and common areas by applying agronomic and administrative expertise to achieve the maintenance standards and long-range goals.
   
6. Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Supervisory Responsibility:
May be responsible for training, assisting or assigning tasks to student workers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Turf Grass Management, Agronomy, Golf and Sports Management or related discipline.

Experience: 2 years Sports Turf and Grounds experience

Substitutions:
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Restricted Pesticide Certification.
   
2. Previous experience in an internship directly related to the duties listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of Toro Monitor II hydraulic irrigation systems
   
2. Knowledge of turf grasses related to the area.
   
3. Working knowledge of restricted use chemical application.
   
4. Knowledge of standards for intercollegiate athletic fields (Division 1-A quality).
   
5. Ability to exercise tact and discretion with coaches and the public, including reasonable
   standards of appearance.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
   
2. Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or
   pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
   
3. Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require
   following basic safety precautions

Instructions for Applying:

Apply online and complete a support staff application. Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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