Turf Specialist

Date Revised: 09/29/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Turf Specialist

Job Category: Non-Exempt

PCLS: 70044

Salary Grade: E

Summary

Incumbents in the Turf Specialist position install, renovate, and maintain the intercollegiate athletic fields and grounds, including natural turf, artificial turf, and clay. Incumbents ensure surfaces are ready for NCAA competition by adhering to all relevant regulations, guidelines and standards.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Turf Specialist reports to a Manager. This classification trains and guides student and/or part-time employees.

Typical Functions

1. Performs and/or oversees all aspects of the establishment, maintenance, and repair of athletic turf areas.

2. Performs and/or oversees the mowing and irrigation of natural turf practice and playing fields, including preparation of the clay softball infield.

3. Assesses disease and insect problems in turf areas and performs pest and disease control operations.

4. Operates a variety of grounds keeping equipment, including mowers, tractors, groomers, spray and spreading equipment, and other implements and devices.

5. Operates, monitors, inspects, and assists with repairing the irrigation systems and components.6. Participates in snow removal.7. Responds to on-call situations for snow removal and landscape emergencies.8. Maintains records of work performed as assigned.9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of effective turf management practices.2. Knowledge and ability to treat turf for disease and insects.3. Knowledge of proper procedures in maintaining clay infields.4. Ability to perform manual labor in outdoor hot and cold climates.5. Knowledge of effective over seeding and top dressing techniques.

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Turf Specialist

Date Revised: 09/29/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

6. Knowledge applicable fertilizers and pesticides, including proper dosage, applications methods, and timing.

7. Knowledge of irrigation principles, including clock management, basic repair, and adjustment.8. Ability to operate landscape equipment, including riding mowers, push mowers, tractors,

trimmers, skid steers, sprayers, and snow removal equipment.9. Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.10. Knowledge of applicable safety procedures.11. Knowledge of soil types, slope, and drainage.12. Ability to work with demanding athletic staff.13. Ability to diagnose plant conditions and cultural needs and recommend treatments for

problems.

Minimum Qualifications

Six years of experience in the green industry; or an associate degree in related field plus four years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus two years of experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position requires considerable physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods.

Employees are exposed to hazardous conditions including, noise, vibrations from machinery, moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to chemicals, elevated work spaces, such as scaffolding, and atmospheric conditions that can affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.

Fundamental Abilities

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.

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Turf Specialist

Date Revised: 09/29/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.

6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.

7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

1.

2. Take initiative.3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

Disclaimer This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

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Turf Specialist

Date Revised: 09/29/2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

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