Sports Turf Technician (HR Title: Turf Technician)

Hourly Range:

$22.00 per hour

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

This position is responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the Sports Turf Management department for Ford Football Stadium, Armstrong Indoor practice Field, Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, Pettus Practice Field, track throwing field, and Intramural Field. Responsibilities include management practices including but are not limited to: turf repairs, painting lines and logos, fertilizing, chemical spraying, irrigation repairs, other cultural practices as needed, mowing turf athletic and Intramural fields, and game day set up for Ford Stadium, Wescott Field and Intramural Field.

Essential Functions:

Mowing: use of string line trimmer, edger, blower; zero turn mower, push mower and potentially fairway reel mowers.

Fertilizing, Aeration and Top dressing: flagging irrigation heads, thatch sweeping and cleanup, loading top dresser and sand cleanup.

Painting: mixing paint, preparing painter and cleaning after use, running string lines in preparation of painting, and potential use of painting sprayer.

Chemical Spraying: use of backpack sprayer for smaller applications.

Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment.

Irrigating: removing, replacing, adjusting irrigation heads; basic knowledge and use of irrigation controllers.

Seeding and sodding worn areas.

Other Duties as assigned: Use of grooming/sweeping synthetic turf, hand water localized dry spots when necessary, trash and debris removal.

Some evening and weekend work is required for scheduled work and emergency calls. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Must be available to work some weekends/holidays, as well as some soccer matches and all home football games.

Education and Experience:

A High school diploma (or equivalent) is required. An Associate's degree in turf grass science or horticulture is preferred.

A minimum of one (1) year of work experience is required.

Experience in collegiate or professional athletic field maintenance is preferred. Experience in the operation and management of athletic field facilities is preferred. Previous experience working on athletic fields or golf courses is highly preferred.

Must possess current Texas driver's license or be able to acquire within first 30 days and have a clear driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate knowledge of sports field equipment is preferred but not required, including but not limited to: tractor, skid steer, top dressers, Unirake, sweepers (both natural grass and synthetic turf), synthetic field groomer, turbine blower and different types of drag mats.

Candidate knowledge of the practices, methods, materials, equipment and tools used in the management of athletic fields is preferred. Knowledge of the hazards and necessary safety precautions in general labor and maintenance work is required.

Candidate ability to manage CMMS/IWMS is preferred. Basic knowledge of Word and Excel applications is preferred.

Candidate must be able to work outdoors year round.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of time

Bend, crawl, squat

Climb, stand, kneel

Reach above shoulders

Handle objects (dexterity)

Push/pull

Carry/lift over 50 lbs.

Walk for long distances

Exposure to excessive noises

Around moving machinery

Exposure to marked changes in temperature/or humidity

Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, radiation, microwave

Drives motorized equipment

Work in confined quarters

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205,, .

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No