Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker

Position Summary

San Diego State University Facilities Services is seeking an experienced and dependable Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker to provide lead direction to grounds staff while coordinating and performing the maintenance, preparation, improvement, and repair of athletic fields and surrounding grounds for SDSU Athletics and Aztec Recreation. This position helps ensure safe, attractive, and high-quality playing surfaces for practices, competitions, and special events while supporting turf management, field operations, equipment maintenance, and staff training.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Work Assignments & Oversight 

  • Provide lead direction to Athletic Fields Groundsworkers, including assigning work, monitoring progress, and inspecting completed work for quality and compliance with departmental standards.

  • Train employees in athletic field maintenance techniques, equipment operation, and workplace safety practices.

  • Conduct quality control inspections and ensure work is completed efficiently and professionally.

  • Maintain accurate records of labor, project costs, and work activities using the university’s facilities management systems.

  • Promote a safe work environment by identifying hazards, documenting concerns, and ensuring compliance with university safety requirements.

• Athletic Field and Grounds Maintenance

  • Perform and oversee groundskeeping activities including mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, litter removal, irrigation monitoring, and landscape maintenance.

  • Maintain natural and synthetic athletic fields to ensure safe and high-quality playing conditions.

  • Evaluate field conditions and determine appropriate grooming, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, and maintenance requirements.

  • Apply fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices.

  • Operate and monitor irrigation systems to support athletic turf health and performance.

Why Join Us?

• Help maintain NCAA Division I athletic facilities used by SDSU student-athletes and visiting teams.

• Provide leadership and training to a skilled athletic grounds crew.

• Work on specialized athletic turf and field maintenance projects.

• Play a direct role in preparing facilities for intercollegiate athletic competitions and major campus events.

• Join a Facilities Services team dedicated to excellence, customer service, and stewardship of university resources.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position.

• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.

• Standard SDSU work hours are Thursday – Monday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime and respond to emergencies based on athletic, event, and weather-related operational needs.

• Athletic field, facilities, grounds, event, or comparable operations program in NCAA Division I Athletics, higher education, municipal government, professional sports, or a similarly complex environment.

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in turf management, soil management, and plant and tree care.

• General knowledge of plant diseases, pests, weeds, and accepted control and eradication methods.

• Ability to organize, coordinate, train, and oversee the work of others.

• Ability to inspect and evaluate work quality and provide effective instruction and guidance.

• Knowledge of athletic field maintenance practices, including turf management, irrigation, and field preparation.

• Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, administrators, and internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred qualifications 

• Prior lead or supervisory experience in grounds or athletic field maintenance operations.

• Experience maintaining athletic fields at the NCAA Division I, collegiate, professional, or comparable level.

• Knowledge of NCAA and conference field requirements, athletic event operations, and field preparation requirements applicable to competition, practice, recreational use, and special events.

• Experience maintaining warm-season turfgrass varieties, including hybrid Bermuda grass and overseeding programs.

• Associate degree or coursework in Sports Turf Management, Turfgrass Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.

• Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) certification or equivalent professional certification.

• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC).

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation: Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 19 ($5,555/month).

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,890 - $5,555 per month (Step 1 – Step 19) based on qualifications and experience.

• Bonus Plan: This position is eligible for a lead athletic fields performance bonus in accordance with the CSUEU collective bargaining agreements and CSU policies.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.

• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.

• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.

• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.