Colby College - Lead Groundskeeper - Athletic Fields, Waterville, ME

Job Description Department: Grounds Pay Rate Type: Hourly Employee Type: Job Summary: Colby’s campus comprises 714 acres including a 70-acre-plus outdoor competition center that consists of three gleaming new competition and recreational fields. Most of Mayflower Hill, including all of the 128-acre Perkins Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, is a State Wildlife Management Area. Johnson Pond, the Campbell Trails for running and cross-country skiing, a student run organic garden, and vast areas of wide-open space provide reasons to enjoy Colby’s campus year-round. Under the general supervision of the ground’s supervisor and landscape manager, the lead groundskeeper for athletic fields assists in all aspects of maintaining athletic fields and courts used in intercollegiate athletics. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity. Lead Groundskeeper Athletic Fields Facilities Services Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Staff Appointment ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assist staff responsible for the preparation and maintenance of athletic fields and facilities Contribute in layout and maintenance of athletic fields and facilities, ensure student athlete and spectator safety as well as compliance with National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) regulations including requirements for field dimensions and markings Make recommendations on design improvements of new facilities and existing facility repairs and renovations; serve as a contact for external contractors in absence of manager Monitor and inspect projects performed on athletic fields and ensure work done is in compliance with contract terms and obligations, and NCAA regulations Consult with and provide recommendations to coaches, game officials, and athletics administration regarding cancellation and/or postponement of events Determine use of tarps and drying agents due to adverse weather conditions; methods for removal of ice and snow from all athletic fields; consider long term effects of methods used, make recommendations for alternate strategies Inspect irrigation systems and ensure proper operation, maintenance, and repair Assist staff responsible for daily maintenance of athletic venues including the fertilization, aeration, chemical spraying, directional mowing and trimming, topdressing, and over-seeding of all fields, ice making and grooming operations in the rink Prepare facilities prior to practices and games including lining fields, coordinating layout, placement and set-up of equipment, benches, tables, etc. Inspect and repair seams and infill levels on synthetic fields Recommend various controls for insect and disease identification and assist in implementing solutions Keep informed of best practices, trends, and NCAA regulations pertaining to design and maintenance of athletic fields Assist at athletic events as required Properly and safely operate grounds department equipment, as assigned by the supervisor, including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, Zamboni, and bobcat Demonstrate basic mechanical understanding of all ground’s equipment Work in excavations or trenches; work from ladders, scaffolds, or in trees; work in all weather conditions Oversee periodic assignments of students and/or summer employees to ensure that work is performed to College standards Properly and safely operate all hand-held equipment including lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers, brooms, snow blowers, etc. Work in a neat, careful, and safe manner to prevent injury to self and others to prevent damage to any material, equipment, or property, and to follow all prescribed safety rules and procedures Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnel Communicate effectively and personably with a diverse community of people Follow all safety rules and procedures Respond to emergency calls as necessary Independently respond to work order and requests for athletic fields Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in turf management or related field preferred 5 or more years working with golf, collegiate, or professional athletic fields required Posses or eligible to receive a valid Maine Pesticide Applicators license Demonstrated knowledge and experience with aeration, chemical spraying, fertilization, and directional mowing; experience in operating equipment related to these tasks including trucks, tractors, riding mowers, forklift, Zamboni, and bobcat Working knowledge of the layout, repair, and irrigation of athletics fields Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as to adjust as new projects are assigned Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community Solid communication skills in order to work collaboratively with members of a diverse community and to provide excellent customer service KEY RELATIONSHIPS: The position reports to the grounds supervisor and landscape manager and has significant interaction with faculty, staff, students, peers, and the Colby community. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. Position is 40 hours per week working in in all weather conditions. Overtime required as needed by College schedule and weather conditions. The lead groundskeeper for athletic fields will be required to work holidays, nights, and weekends. This position is designated as “emergency personnel/essential staff” and may be required to report in inclement weather or emergency conditions to continue performance of job responsibilities. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs., climb, or crawl as required to ensure completion of the work. TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby College website. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to: Lead Groundskeeper Athletic Fields - Search Committee Office of Human Resources Colby College 5500 Mayflower Hill Waterville, ME 04901-8855 A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.