The Sports Turf Tech III is responsible for performing a high-quality turf and grounds maintenance services of campus athletic fields such as natural grass and synthetic surfaces. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion is essential to this job.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned. Such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions, especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Convocation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.

2. Reports to work at the required time and performs duties as assigned by the Sports Turf Supervisor, Manager, or the Grounds Director.

3. Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating Grounds related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, respirators/masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen.

4. Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs.

5. Assists in daily operations related to the maintenance of the sports fields and adjoining related to the maintenance of the sports fields and adjoining areas.

6. Performs grass maintenance operations on both synthetic and natural turfgrass. This is to include mowing, trimming, edging, aeration, fertilization, irrigation, over seeding, general repairs. Spring/ fall cleanup and pest control.

7. Performs duties such as grooming, sweeping, cleaning and minor repairs to all synthetic playing fields.

8. Operates mowing and other equipment; operates and calibrates chemical application equipment.

9. Participates in the operation and maintenance of pumps, and in the maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems.

10. Performs duties as sports field maintenance labor such as turfgrass management, sod cutting and installation, turfgrass sprigging, Irrigation management, mowing, trimming and use of blowers, fertilizing with a walk-behind fertilizer, field Markings and logo painting, aeration, over seeding, grooming, topdressing, sweeping, cleaning, trash leaves and debris removal from athletic fields. Bullpen, infield, and home plate maintenance.

11. Performs the operation and maintenance of power equipment such as reel and rotary mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, backpack blowers, trimmers, top-dressers, aerators, springing machines, backhoes, dump trucks and bobcats.

12. Performs other duties such as basic carpentry and basic plumbing.

13. Working knowledge of the maintenance of sports fields; the seeding, sodding and maintenance practices for sports field turfgrass and synthetic surfaces.

14. Knowledge of the characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners, herbicides and pest control methods and materials

15. Knowledge of drainage control methods and irrigations system, including wells, pumps and automatic controls.

16. High level of understanding of the sport’s governing bodies’ (NCAA, Big South, NFHSA, and VHSL) requirements for field layouts and markings.

17. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

18. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

19. Ability to ensure that tasks are completed in a safe manner and the ability to ensure the safe use of grounds maintenance equipment.

20. Ability to comply with EPA and University guidelines for the application of fertilizers and pest control chemicals.

21. Assisting in the preparation, maintenance, and clean-up of outdoor athletic facilities for games, special events, and day to day operations.

22. Assists as needed in set-up and tear down for sports related and various events.

23. Must provide own hand tools to perform and complete trade related tasks.

24. Relies on experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals.

25. Performs other duties as assigned.

26. Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmarks.

27. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED. Minimum of 3+ years of related experience required in maintaining athletic fields combination of education and experience. Pesticide Applicators license is a plus. Current/ Valid VA Drivers license with a positive DMV report. Must be able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited supervision. Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude. Proven, excellent leadership skills, initiative, and competency is required. Exceptional self-management. Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals. Urgency to grow and improve. Clean and professional appearance. Must be courteous, detailed oriented. Self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational and planning skills and well-developed communication skills. This position might require the use of and operation of aerial lifts or be willing and able to obtain aerial lift certifications, operate, and work from various aerial lifts and heights. Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University at the expense of the employer will be reimbursed back to the University. Upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring it.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.  (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 75+ pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is an office, shop, and outdoor settings, and defined by the weather. May involve exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that required following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemical, biohazardous materials, dirt dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises. Must have the ability to lift, pull and transport small and heavy equipment and materials without assistance

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.