ATHLETIC FIELD SPECIALIST

About the role

The Athletic Field Specialist position at Duke University is responsible for maintaining and managing athletic fields, synthetic surfaces, and associated areas. The role requires a strong background in turfgrass and soil management, as well as experience in athletic field maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Proficient in implementing maintenance for highly maintained turfgrass, synthetic athletic surfaces, and clay/dirt areas, including moisture control, sprayer and spreader calibration, and pesticide application.
• Diagnose and resolve turfgrass, pest, and disease issues using specialized knowledge of sports turf characteristics.
• Complete daily field preparation tasks such as grooming, striping, marking, and painting for games, practices, and tournaments.
• Utilize mobile spray units for applying fertilizers and pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Conduct infield clay/dirt management using rakes and drags, ensuring optimal moisture and surface conditions.
• Assist with seasonal and major field renovations including grading, sodding, irrigation work, and surface repair.
• Carry out aeration, overseeding, vertical mowing, sweeping, grooming, and topdressing.
• Install and remove growth covers, tarps, athletic goals, nets, and field equipment in preparation for events.
• Support inclement weather operations, including extended-hour responses and snow/ice removal.
• Perform routine inspections, identify issues, and execute minor repairs on athletic fields and equipment.
• Maintain grounds equipment, ensuring proper fuel, oil, grease, tire pressure, and safety compliance, including reel mower adjustments and cleaning.
• Contribute to a safe and high-performing environment for athletes, staff, and visitors.
• Complete other related duties that support the overall function and quality of Duke’s athletic grounds.

Requirements

• Minimum of three or more years of athletic field maintenance experience.
• North Carolina pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain within six months of hire is required.
• Certified Sports Field Manager strongly preferred.
• North Carolina driver's license is required.
• Knowledge of turfgrass and soil management normally acquired through an Associate degree program in turfgrass management or two years post-secondary education in turfgrass management or a related field.

Qualifications

• Associate degree program in turfgrass management or two years post-secondary education in turfgrass management or a related field.
• Certified Sports Field Manager.
• North Carolina driver's license.

Skills

• Proficiency in the implementation of maintenance for athletic fields.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve turfgrass, pest, and disease issues.
• Expertise in daily field preparation tasks.
• Knowledge of mobile spray unit operations.
• Experience with infield clay/dirt management.
• Seasonal and major field renovation skills.
• Ability to install and remove field equipment.
• Support for inclement weather operations.
• Conduct routine inspections and minor repairs.
• Maintenance of grounds equipment.
• Contribution to a safe and high-performing environment.

Benefits

Duke University offers comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Pay

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Schedule

Details about the schedule will be provided upon hiring.