Connecticut College is conducting a regional search for an experienced turf specialist.  Under the direction of the Director of Landscaping Services, perform highly skilled trades duties in a variety of landscape and hardscape work.  Performs skilled maintenance and/or construction work requiring the application of trade skills, codes, and standard trade practices of College historical campus, waterfront, and athletic fields.  Makes estimates of time, personnel, and material required on assigned tasks; keeps necessary records; performs duties related to the trade or trade areas as required.

The Athletics and Field Turf Specialist also assists in planning, implementing, organizing, and monitoring all aspects of Connecticut College's Athletic field turf fields, natural and synthetic.  Requires self-direction with limited supervision. Provides oversight for all sports turf maintenance, irrigation, fertilization, and grounds related contractors/contracts. Perform routine administrative and personnel duties. This position is categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff.  Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays).  This position also require participation in the Weekly On-Call Rotation Schedule; when assigned to the on-call rotation, calls must be responded to during the on-call assignment within 15 minutes.  Position will remain open until filled.  Salary includes and excellend benefits package.

• Develops and implements plans for the successful maintenance of all athletic fields and grounds.
• Assist in planning, oversees, and project-manages major athletic grounds and fields renovation projects, as assigned; schedules, facilitates, oversees, and quality controls reconstruction activities, including the work of external contractors.
• May oversee assigned personnel, which includes assigning work, work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluating performance and making recommendations for personnel actions; motivating employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• May assist in developing  and managing budgets related to athletic fields and grounds.
• Advises in purchasing of athletic field maintenance equipment and supplies.
• Restores fields damaged by weather, use, or other conditions, to a level commensurate with that expected of athletic programs.
• Assist in managing and reviewing irrigation systems performance and initiates changes when necessary.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Acts as a liaison for landscaping services for other College divisions and contractors as assigned. Ensures all work processes comply with Federal, State and Local regulations, and College policies and procedures.  Required to be available outside of the College’s normal administrative office hours.
• Keeps accurate and complete records, inventory, weather data, maintenance procedures, chemical applications, etc. 
• Participates in continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, web-based training courses, field days and trade shows.

• Education, training, and experience in agronomy and landscape/sports turf maintenance.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of agronomy and environmental turfgrass management practices including pest/disease/weed management, an understanding of soil chemistry, a working knowledge of sports field construction principles, practices and methods, and a thorough understanding of the sports governing bodies’ requirements for field layout and marking.
• 5 - 8 years of progressive responsibility in grounds maintenance experience.
• A current driver's license.
• Current pesticide applicator’s license.
• Pesticide Supervisory Certification license or ability to obtain within six months of start of employment.
• Interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare estimates and keep shop records, interpret and read blueprints.
• Ability to utilize computer software (CMMS).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of operation of grounds equipment, turf grass management and standards, irrigation systems, measuring and calculations as related to grounds care.

Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records check and pre-placement physial, will be conducted on the selected candidate.

Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes the booster vaccine. New employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources.