Sports Turf Technician

Job:  Sports Field Technician 
Department: Sports Field
Job Type: Full-Time, Year-Round; 40 hours per week; weekends and holidays required, overtime when required; Non-Exempt 
Pay Range: $27-30 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

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Sports Field Technician will report to the Director of Grounds and the Sports Field Manager and will work with other members of the crew to maintain the surfaces of 60+ athletic playing fields at Randall’s Island Park. This position will primarily focus on the maintenance of square sport fields such as soccer, lacrosse, cricket, rugby, etc., and occasionally will assist with the upkeep of ballfields and the new Kentucky bluegrass, sand-based regulation soccer pitch at Icahn Stadium. The Sports Field Technician will be responsible for keeping the Director and Manager updated regarding field conditions and troubleshooting challenges that may arise. This position offers a unique opportunity to maintain fields of various playing surfaces and levels across a 330-acre park in New York City.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Implement and build upon the turf plan for the athletic playing fields at the park, under the guidance and direction of the Director of Grounds and Sports Field Manager.  
•    Assist with maintenance of the athletic fields throughout the park, specifically square sport fields.
•    Work with the Sports Field crew to assist with daily field maintenance including field layout, dimensions, mowing, seeding, fertilizing, watering, leveling, laying sod, removing debris, and rolling.
•    Responsible for lining athletic playing fields. 
•    Routinely observe athletic fields, troubleshoot issues and provide routine maintenance.  
•    Regularly update the Director and Manager regarding field conditions. 
•    Assist with a variety of projects, especially sod projects. 
•    Apply knowledge of synthetic turf field general maintenance and repair. 
•    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 all equipment is secured and well-maintained, including washing, greasing, fueling, and arranging for service of equipment.
•    Perform other general tasks as assigned.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

•    Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in high-end turf maintenance, such as golf course, stadiums, ballfields, soccer fields, etc. 
•    Advanced knowledge of and ability to assist with a variety of projects such as sod removal, sod installation, irrigation, repair/adjustments, seeding, aeration, etc. 
•    Knowledge of and ability to safely use hand tools that are essential field maintenance such as rakes, tampers, shovels, specialized tools such as compactions testers, soil moisture meters and shear test tools.
•    Ability to operate small equipment that is essential to maintaining a safe and enjoyable playing surface such as weed whackers, mowers and edgers.
•    Knowledge of and ability to safely operate large equipment such as motorized utility vehicles, tractors, skid steers and corresponding attachments and implements routinely used to assist in cultural practices and field renovations. 
•    Knowledge of synthetic turf field general maintenance and repair.
•    Knowledge of various field dimensions and playing formats. 
•    Ability to line fields and knowledge of lining material. 
•    Excellent attention to detail. 
•    Knowledge of various field and soil amendments and their appropriate use and application. 
•    Excellent organizational skills, drive, work ethic and willingness to learn new processes and skills. 
•    Exhibit creative problem solving and adaptive decision-making skills. 
•    Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships. 
•    Ability to serve as a positive and encouraging influence on a team. 
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
•    Ability to shift priorities and focus, when needed. 
•    Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, occasional evenings, etc. 
•    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.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

•    Two (2) years of materials applications experience.
•    Pesticide license.
•    Bilingual