Associate Director, Athletic Fields

About the role

The Associate Director, Athletic Fields provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for South Campus grounds, supporting Division I Athletics and campus landscape services. This role manages daily grounds operations, including planning, resource allocation, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent leads staff, oversees budgets and contracts, and ensures high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and management of athletic fields, campus grounds, and landscape services to ensure safety, playability, and sustainability
• Plan, direct, and oversee major grounds renovation and maintenance projects, including contractor coordination and quality control
• Develop and implement maintenance plans, service standards, and preventive maintenance programs for all assigned areas
• Manage integrated pest management (IPM), irrigation systems, soil health, and turf programs using sustainable practices
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to support efficient and effective operations
• Oversee vendor and contract administration, procurement processes, and service delivery outcomes
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff; oversee hiring, training, performance management, and employee development
• Establish and monitor performance metrics, quality assurance programs, and reporting systems
• Serve as primary liaison to Athletics, Club Sports, and campus stakeholders; ensure high levels of customer service and communication
• Ensure compliance with University, CSU, and regulatory requirements, including safety, environmental, and operational standards

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, with a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience.
• Five years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex, with a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience.
• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management.
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans.
• Experience in grounds maintenance at an NCAA or professional sports environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management.
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans.
• Experience in grounds maintenance at an NCAA or professional sports environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to plan, implement, and manage complex grounds and athletic field operations.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, irrigation systems, pest management, and turf management.
• Working knowledge of sustainable and organic landscape management practices, including IPM and soil health programs.
• Ability to interpret plans and manage large-scale landscape and construction projects.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including performance management and team development.
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify issues, and implement process improvements.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders and organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to safety, environmental compliance, and pesticide use.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and inclusive work environment.

Pay

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,834/month - $10,834/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month
The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Schedule

N/A