Sports Turf Coordinator (2 Positions)

The Core Values of LSU Athletics define who we are and what we do. They are: Excellence, Integrity, Authenticity, Perseverance, Respect, Fairness, Growth, and Service. They are the support system that sustains our success. These values work together, constantly collaborating and combining to secure our future and drive our unending work to create transformational change – for our student-athletes, for our athletics community, and for the millions across the world who know and love these three letters.  Forever LSU.

The Sports Turf Coordinator is an essential professional position that provides support in achieving the safety and sustainability of approximately 18 acres of competition and practice natural turfgrass playing fields, in addition to 3 acres of synthetic surface practice fields.  Additionally, this position is tasked with the maintenance and oversight of approximately 10 acres of manicured landscape which is maintained by both in-house staff as well as contractors.

65% Under the direction of the Assistant Sports Turf Manager, this position functions within the day-to-day operation of the Sports Turf maintenance crew in activities generally associated with athletic turf care/maintenance which include but are not limited to; mowing, preparation of game/practice surfaces to comply with NCAA regulations and individual head coach preferences, string trimming, edging, hardscape maintenance, turf blowing and/or vacuuming, general clean up and litter removal, irrigation/drainage repairs and installation, pruning and weeding of landscape, oversight of repair/replacement of turfgrass including sodding, topdressing, verti-cutting, aerification, and seeding, infield skin and warning track maintenance. Perform daily visual inspections of all assigned areas.

20% Leads small groups of staff to perform project oriented work including minor renovations or repairs to athletic playing surfaces including but not limited to: sod work, drainage installation/repairs, and irrigation drainage/installation.  Works towards adhering to weekly/monthly scheduled plans and work for regular routine maintenance of athletic fields, as well as the preventative maintenance of assigned equipment. Works to meet deadlines for field and facility preparation related to NCAA sporting events performing tasks such as: lining/marking of fields for play, infield preparation, mowing, and other facility assets (i.e.; fencing, tarps, banners and signage, etc.) are in place.

10% Responsible for aiding LSU Event Management staff in event operations specific to their assigned facility/sport.  This can include but not be limited to management of internal facility maintenance, custodial and grounds staff as well as outside contract services such as event management security personnel or post event cleanup/custodial services.

5% Meets with coaches and operations staff specific to assigned areas in order to ensure that the daily requirement specific to the facility or specific coaches preferences are being adhered to.  Meets with chain of command to make recommendations related to overall athletic field maintenance or areas of concern; Advances and supports LSU and Athletics Department initiatives through personal participation in educational and developmental opportunities, as well as participation in the creation of an respectful culture consistent with the values of LSU and its Athletics Department; Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in turfgrass management, agronomy/plant soil systems, or related field and no prior turf-related experience OR

Associate's Degree and/or Turfgrass Certificate with two years of turf-related experience OR

High School Diploma and four years of turf-related experience

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description

Special or Physical Qualifications:  

Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Ability to stand, walk, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Must infrequently be able to lift containers weighing 100 pounds.  Due to the nature and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to alcohol/drug testing in accordance with University Policy Statement 67. This position may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and/or closure per University Policy Statement 18. Requires pre-employment drug screen and physical.