Athletic Field Specialist (Soccer)

 

Job: Athletic Field Specialist (Soccer)

Department: Sports Field

Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round; 40 hours per week; weekends and holidays required, overtime when required; Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $27.00-$32.00 / per hour

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package 60 days following date of hire (health insurance, paid time off, free parking on site etc.)

Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

 

The Athletic Field Specialist will report to the Director of Grounds and the Sports Field Manager and will work alongside members of the Sports Field crew to maintain high-quality athletic playing surfaces throughout Randall’s Island Park. The position will have a primary focus on maintaining and preparing the Kentucky bluegrass, sand-based regulation soccer pitch at Icahn Stadium at professional level standards while occasionally supporting the Park’s other 60+ playing fields, as needed. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in turf maintenance, a strong working knowledge of professional soccer field maintenance and the ability to work independently, with oversight from Management. This position offers a unique opportunity to help maintain fields of various playing surfaces and levels across a 330-acre park in New York City.   

 

• Implement and maintain an effective turf plan for the Icahn Stadium soccer field, under the direction of the Director of Grounds and Sports Field Manager.

• Perform day-to-day and specialized maintenance of the Icahn Stadium soccer pitch, with a focus on maintaining a safe, consistent and high-quality playing surface suitable for professional and semi-professional competition. 

• Monitor and assess the condition of the pitch and identify maintenance needs related to turf health, soil conditions, moisture, drainage, irrigation and playability. 

• Assist with implementation of a responsible integrated pest management program for the Icahn Stadium field.

• Provide gameday support during matches, including field inspections, preparation, lining, watering, and post-match maintenance. 

• Work with the Randall’s Island Sports Field crew to assist with daily field maintenance including field layout, dimensions, lining, mowing, seeding, fertilizing, watering, leveling, laying sod, removing debris, and rolling.

• Perform and assist with specialized field projects, including field leveling, irrigation installation and repair, aeration, seeding, sod removal and installation and field renovation. 

• Use specialized field assessment and maintenance tools such as compaction testers, soil moisture meters, shear test tools and other equipment. 

• Operate hand tools such as various hoes, rakes, tampers, and shovels.

• Operate small equipment such as walk and riding lawnmowers, weed whackers, vibratory tamps, sod cutters, edgers and backpack leaf blowers.

• Operate large equipment such as motorized utility vehicles, tractors, and skid steers.

• Ensure equipment is secured and well-maintained, including washing, greasing, fueling, and arranging for service of equipment.

• Maintain timely communication regarding work-related matters, including regularly reviewing and responding to emails, participating in meetings with Management and Specialists and providing requested information. 

• Regularly communicate with the Director of Grounds and Sports Field Manager regarding field conditions, turf health, maintenance needs, project status and issues requiring attention. 

• Perform other general tasks as assigned.

 

 

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in turf or athletic field maintenance, including stadiums, professional or collegiate sports facilities, golf courses, soccer fields, ballfields, or other high-quality playing surfaces.

• Working knowledge of and ability to assist with a variety of projects pertaining to the soccer fields which can include field renovations, sod removal, sod installation, irrigation install, repair/adjustments, aeration, seeding, and drainage.

• Ability to assess field conditions and troubleshoot issues related to turf health, soil conditions, moisture, compaction, drainage, irrigation, and playability.

• Working knowledge of soccer field dimensions, layouts, and playing formats with the ability to accurately line fields and use appropriate lining materials. 

• Knowledge of natural and synthetic turf maintenance practices. 

• Knowledge of field and soil amendments and their appropriate use and application. 

• Ability to safely operate hand tools and specialized field assessment tools. 

• Ability to safely operate small and large equipment used in turf and field maintenance. 

• Strong attention to detail, organization skills and the ability to prioritize, and shift focus as needed. 

• Sound judgement, able to troubleshoot problems and adapt to changing field conditions and maintenance needs. 

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team, communicate effectively and develop positive working relationships with colleagues and management. 

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings and a fluctuating schedule. 

• Ability to work outdoors in all different types of weather, under strenuous conditions. 

• Ability to perform physical labor; must be able to lift 50lbs. 

• Valid Driver License.

 

• Formal training, certificate or education in turf management, agronomy, sports field management, horticulture or a related field. 

• Materials applications experience. 

• Pesticide license.

• Fluency in Spanish. 

 

https:// randallsisland.org/about /employment-opportunities/