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.
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.
- 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
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, a minimum of two years of which are 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California, or Certified IPM Technician (CIT).
- Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society.
- Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices.
- Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCA.
- Certified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation Association.
- NOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification, or equivalent training in organic land management.
- Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment.
- Experience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methods.
- Experience in grounds services management of a State facility, College or University, or other environment with extensive grounds.
- Experience managing grounds services and operations in a high level NCAA or professional sports environment.
Benefits
Compensation 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.
Contact Information
University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252
Additional Information
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.
Application Procedure
Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
- Resume
- Letter of Interest
Equal Employment Statement
San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities.