Turf Specialist

About the role

Assist with the planning, management and care of the campus turfgrass program and campus irrigation systems with the twin goals to be effective and efficient stewards of these resources. Includes supervising/overseeing the staff/contractors performing this work on the campus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the campus turfgrass program and irrigation systems that support this program.
• Select/specify the materials and equipment utilized in the care of campus lawns and irrigation systems.
• Cookordinate those events/activities that involve on-campus and off-campus users of campus outdoor areas.
• Perform utility locates of campus irrigation systems as requested.
• Supervise/train other Campus Facilities-Landscape Services (CF-LS) staff in the methods and means utilized in the care of campus lawns and in-ground irrigation systems.
• Maintain electronic files, records and maps of the campus turfgrass program and irrigation systems.
• Develop and make recommendations for improvement to the campus turfgrass program/irrigation systems.
• Collect data and observations for turfgrass, irrigation systems, and equipment records.
• Manage the equipment/vehicles involved in the turfgrass program and oversee the equipment maintenance program.
• Maintain records for equipment/vehicles.
• Participate in the removal/treatment of snow/ice from the campus.
• Participate in the operations of CF-LS and the activities of the Mizzou Botanic Garden (MUBG).
• Promote and engage in the practices of sustainable turfgrass management to produce best in class campus lawns.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of professional standards and practices by other staff in CF-LS.
• Effectively communicate with and interact with other campus organizations.
• Participate in the engagement with the campus and community in support of the mission of the University and MUBG.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Preferred qualifications include: Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Missouri Pesticide Applicators Certification, Certification in irrigation system installation and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
• Preferred qualifications: Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Missouri Pesticide Applicators Certification, Certification in irrigation system installation and maintenance.

Skills

• Knowledge of sustainable turfgrass management practices.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and interact with other campus organizations.
• Proficiency in using equipment and tools related to turfgrass and irrigation management.
• Ability to coordinate events and activities involving campus outdoor areas.
• Experience with utility locates and snow/ice removal.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement.

Pay

Salary Range: $28.05 - $30.60 hourly

Schedule

Shift: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday