Sports Turf Technician (HR Title: Turf Technician)

About the role

About SMU: SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position: This position is responsible for assisting with the daily operations of the Sports Turf Management Department at Ford Football Stadium, Armstrong Indoor Practice Field, Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, Pettus Practice Field, the Track Throwing Field, and the Intramural Field.

Responsibilities

• turf repairs
• painting lines and logos
• fertilizing
• chemical spraying
• irrigation repairs
• other cultural practices as needed
• mowing turf athletic and intramural fields
• game-day setup for Ford Stadium, Wescott Field, and the Intramural Field
• Operate string trimmers, edgers, blowers, zero-turn mowers, push mowers, and potentially fairway reel mowers.
• Flag irrigation heads; sweep and clean up thatch; load topdressers; and clean up sand.
• Mix paint; prepare, operate, and clean painting equipment; run string lines in preparation for painting; and potentially operate a paint sprayer.
• Use backpack sprayers for smaller applications.
• Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Remove, replace, and adjust irrigation heads; demonstrate basic knowledge of and ability to operate irrigation controllers.
• Seed and sod worn areas.
• Groom and sweep synthetic turf; hand-water localized dry spots as necessary; and remove trash and debris.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate’s degree in turfgrass science or horticulture is preferred. A minimum of one (1) year of work experience is required. Experience in collegiate or professional athletic field maintenance is preferred. Experience in the operation and management of athletic field facilities is desired. Experience working on athletic fields or golf courses is a plus. Basic experience operating sports field equipment, including, but not limited to, tractors, skid steers, topdressers, Unirake, sweepers for both natural grass and synthetic turf, synthetic turf groomers, turbine blowers, and various types of drag mats is