Job Abstract

The purpose of the Director of Athletics Grounds is to oversee and manage the daily maintenance of the athletics fields and grounds within the athletics department. Responsibilities include, not but not limited to, the oversight of all athletics facility playing fields, both natural grass and artificial turf, construction management, budget management and oversight of facility playing surfaces.

Additionally, the Director of Athletics Grounds must demonstrate personal accountability, including (1) compliance with the compliance staff directives and (2) adherence to Athletics Department and University policies as well as NCAA and Conference rules and regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Oversight of day-to-day maintenance of athletics grounds
  • Develops and tracks budget
  • Restores fields damaged by weather, use, or other conditions to a level commensurate with that expected of Division 1-A athletic programs
  • Collaborates with others for the purpose of implementing and maintaining facility services
  • Manages and reviews irrigation systems performance and initiates repair when necessary
• Develops long and short-range maintenance plans/programs for the purpose of ensuring that university resources are effectively used
• Directs projects (e.g. new construction, field repair, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring completion within established time frames, project design and budget
• Plans and inspects grounds new construction, renovation, projects, equipment, work orders, daily maintenance and supplies for the purpose of ensuring that jobs are completed efficiently
• Performs personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel and achieving objectives within budget
• Presents information for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls
• Supervises the conversion and protection of athletic fields during special events
• Mentor and foster the professional growth of direct reports through regular guidance sessions, constructive feedback, and opportunities for skill development

Required Education: High School Diploma AND;

• 5 years of athletic fields, or grounds maintenance experience
• 2 years of turfgrass related experience
• Experience with multiple grass types in transition zones including experience in identification, cultivation, and care of a broad variety of ornamental, native landscape plants and turf grasses used in sports fields
• Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree

Certifications or Licenses:

• Valid state driver's license to drive university vehicles or obtain one within 30 days of hire date
• Oklahoma Pesticide License (ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)

Skills:

• Basic math skills
• Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
• Uses tools or equipment in a manner requiring competence
• Communicates as required to exchange information and give simple instructions
• Performs simple record-keeping operations
• Knowledge of routine gardening procedures

Working Conditions Detail:

• Must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds frequently throughout assigned shift unassisted including with the ability to load and unload supplies into a truck bed
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays required
• May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials/chemicals, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator)
• Exposure to various degrees of outdoor weather conditions, including but not limited to, extreme heat and cold or rain
• Must be able to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling, squatting, and walking for extended periods of time
• May be designated as an essential position during emergency closures
• May be required to remain on campus overnight during weather or other emergencies
• Must be able to engage in repetitive motions, communicate and drive
• May require occasional travel to away sport contests

Supervision:

• 6 Full-time Grounds Turf Managers

Departmental Preferences:

• Ability to operate all necessary equipment pertaining to athletic field maintenance (power equipment such as: reel mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, blowers, trimmers, top dressers, aerators, verti-cutters, Bobcat, etc.)
• Knowledge of routine grounds maintenance procedures or athletic field maintenance
• Familiar with operation vehicles or powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, work truck, sod cutters
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders
• Ability to remain on campus overnight during weather or other emergencies as essential personnel during emergency closures
• Strong initiative to solve problems
• Ability to work and communicate with a diverse group of coaches, administration, supporting staff, and student-athletes
• Must be able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively
• Ability to identify turf pests and institute turfgrass maintenance and treatment
• Ability to manage and coordinate the work of technical consultants and/or contractors
• Knowledge of sports field irrigation systems and standards for intercollegiate athletic fields
• Knowledge of pest control laws and regulations regarding safe chemical application and pesticides used

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.