Turf Specialist

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At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Position Summary:

The Sports Turf Specialist is part of the Facilities Grounds team in the Maintenance and Operations Department at Vanderbilt University. The Sports Turf Specialist work to support the Grounds Department in general and the Athletic Field group specifically. 

About the Work Unit:

Facilities Department provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. The Facilities department is comprised of Campus Planning & Construction, Maintenance and Operations, the Business Operations Center and Real Estate.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Complete the directives and instructions of the Sports Turf Supervisor to provide care and maintenance to the natural and artificial athletic competition surfaces.
• Ability to recognize and report common weeds, turf disease, soil fertility and other issues which might occur in athletic turf. 
• Ability and knowledge required to competently operate machinery used in athletic field turf care, including but not limited to: reel mowers, rotary mowers, string trimmers, blowers, push mowers, backpack blowers, fertilizer spreaders, spray equipment and hand tools.
• Ability and knowledge to complete minor irrigation repairs such as replacing, reorienting or re-nozzeling rotary sprinkler heads.
• Provide game day support for athletic matches and competitions.
• Assist with landscape upkeep of areas adjacent to or incorporated within stadiums and practice fields.
• Work with a crew of 2-5 individuals on a regular basis.
• Perform tasks necessary to respond to winter weather conditions including outside of normal working hours.
• Operate a walk behind paint machine and/or robotic paint machine.   
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Turf Maintenance Supervisor.

Education and Certifications:

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Turf care or a related field.
• Equivalent experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Valid Tennessee Drivers License or equivalent from another state.
• Possess or be able to attain a Tennessee Pesticide Applicators License within 6 months of starting employment.

Experience and Skills:

• One to three years of Athletic turfgrass experience preferred. 
• Knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules and regulations preferred.
• Basic communication and computer skills preferred.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, reach or stand for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to lift as at least 70 lbs