Athletic Field Specialist

Graduation from high school or equivalent and three years of experience in athletic field maintenance, turf grass management, Parks and Recreation maintenance operation; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience may be considered for trainee status.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

Must obtain and maintain an Ornamental and Turf Applicators License and a Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) License within the first twelve (12) months of employment.

This is specialized work maintaining athletic fields and facilities for the Parks and Open Space Department.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for athletic field, renovations and projects, building/grounds maintenance including chemical spray application, pest identification, turf management, irrigation, and/or equipment operation.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.

Performs proper maintenance techniques to ensure safe playable surface including maintaining infield skin, infield lips, baselines, warning tracks, pitching mounds and home plate areas. Includes regular dragging, screen dragging, watering, mowing, edging and trimming.

Executes the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM). Troubleshoots chemical deficiencies and applies proper corrective solution of chemicals according to set standards. Takes appropriate preventative measures to control plant damage when dealing with continuous or predictable pests.

Oversees and participates in the preparation and application of a variety of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and other pest and disease eradication and control chemicals as necessary. Manages the handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides.

Performs field maintenance duties including aerating, mowing, vertical cutting, weed abatement, top dressing and other duties as required.

Exercises a high degree of expertise, initiative and independent decision making to ensure customer satisfaction. Conducts parks patrols and general inspections of athletic facilities to ensure the safety of the public. Reports potential safety hazards or maintenance issues to supervisor for follow up as necessary.

Performs maintenance, repairs, programming and adjustments in irrigation systems. Maintains automatic irrigation systems in correct adjustments for time of year and rainfall amounts. Disassembles, cleans spray head and rotor head nozzles, adjusts nozzles for proper head to head spray coverage.

Paints and marks fields, sets bases and pitching mounds under applicable rules and specified dimensions. Provides set-up and clean-up of facilities for practices, games, tournaments and events. Performs general ground’s maintenance, repair and janitorial duties of fields, fencing, common areas, amenities, parking lots and other areas.

Responsible for Athletics Division inventory including vehicles, hand tools, power tools, computer and equipment.

Responsible for assigned budget to ensure available funds are prioritized to complete projects/maintenance for the health, safety and welfare of park and athletic field visitors.

Operates hand-held tools and heavy/special equipment in the renovation, maintenance and repairs of athletic fields and/or park facilities including but not limited to: Versa Vac, Top Dresser, Drum Roller, Sod Cutter, Aerator, Boom Sprayer, Tractor, etc.

Drives and operates County vehicles and equipment to perform duties as required.

May serve as crew leader or lead worker; issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work; and conducting specialized training as needed.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in park, landscape, athletic field, irrigation, chemical spray, and construction activities.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards in labor work and equipment operation and the necessity of applicable safety precautions

Considerable knowledge of pest/disease management guidelines and standards.

Considerable knowledge and skills of proper turf grass maintenance standards.

Considerable knowledge of sports field irrigation systems, design installation and maintenance.

Considerable knowledge of standards for sports fields layouts and markings to include baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, etc. for various age groups and leagues/associations.

Skill in the use of equipment for athletic fields, landscaping, maintenance and common hand tools.

Skill in the use of chemical spray applications, pest identification, irrigation, and turf management.

Ability to deal with customers in a courteous, efficient, and tactful manner.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public.

Ability to read and understand chemical labels.

Ability to read and understand material safety data sheets (SDS).

Ability to perform semi-skilled carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing and landscaping tasks.

Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under hot and humid conditions and/or adverse weather conditions.

Ability to communicate effectively and transmit as well as follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to project the proper amount of materials, equipment and hours necessary to complete specific projects.

Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.

Ability to identify turf pests and institute turf grass maintenance and treatment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to sit.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move in excess of 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.