Athletics Groundskeeper

The Athletics Groundskeeper is responsible for maintenance and care of the fields and surrounding grounds at the Outdoor Athletic Complexes. Key responsibilities include preparing and maintaining athletic fields, performing routine equipment upkeep, and assisting with the application of fertilizers and other turf care chemicals. The Athletics Groundskeeper may also provide support and direction to part-time temporary workers (OPS), including students, to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in accordance with established standards.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists the Athletics Grounds Superintendent in planning, coordinating, and managing athletic turf and surrounding grounds.
• Performs daily sports turf maintenance, including mowing, edging, weeding, trimming, and trash/debris removal to ensure safe, visually appealing athletic environments.
• Prepares and maintains baseball and softball fields including dragging, watering, lining, chalking, painting clay infields and foul lines, and setting bases in accordance with NCAA, ASUN Conference, and university standards.
• Maintains field conditions by mowing outfields, edging baselines, sifting and applying clay, and rebuilding pitching mounds, bullpens, and home plates.
• Conducts daily inspections to assess field conditions, identify issues, and ensure compliance with university and athletic standards.
• Oversees irrigation systems to maintain proper moisture levels on grass and clay infield surfaces.
• Communicates daily tasks to temporary, student workers and offers guidance to support safe and efficient work completion.
• Maintains and services groundskeeping tools and equipment.
• Ensures proper waste and recycling collection in alignment with university standards.
• Schedules and applies fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides; oversees turf health, plant installation and tree/shrub pruning.
• Recommends policies and procedures to improve the efficiency of operations for Athletics Grounds Maintenance.
• Ensures all maintenance activities are performed in compliance with University, ASUN Conference, and NCAA rules.
• Serves as essential personnel and provides assistance in the event of an emergency on campus.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires a high school diploma and five years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Relevant full-time experience in general landscaping or grounds keeping.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in facility, turf, or grounds maintenance and familiarity with reel mowers and other necessary grounds equipment.
• Pesticide and Herbicide Application License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with co-workers, university staff, students, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others. Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends to include game nights and holidays as needed.
• Willing to work outside in extreme temperatures and weather.
• Ability to lift at least 60 lbs.
• Ability to work independently to complete assignments.
• Ability to provide professional customer service.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade14

Hourly Rate: $21.44-26.06

The Athletics Groundskeeper will be eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus in accordance with the Bonus Regulations.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.