Turf Specialist - Public Services

JOB SUMMARYThe Turf Specialist performs skilled work in the maintenance, care, and improvement of natural and artificial turf, landscapes, and grounds at municipal parks, athletic fields, recreation facilities, and public properties. This position ensures safe, high-quality, and visually appealing conditions through turf management, landscape maintenance, and field preparation activities. The position operates specialized equipment, applies approved turf treatments and, provides technical guidance to staff performing treatment applications, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs maintenance of natural turf areas including mowing, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, topdressing, edging, pest management, and related turf care activitiesMaintains athletic fields, "Grand Lawn" areas, and other high-use recreational spaces to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality playing and event surfacesMonitors turf and soil conditions and identifies issues such as disease, compaction, drainage problems, pest infestations, wear patterns, and soil deficiencies; performs or recommends corrective maintenance and treatments as neededConducts and/or reviews soil testing to evaluate nutrient levels, soil composition, and treatment needs for turf and landscaped areasPerforms turf recovery and restoration following special events, tournaments, heavy or abusive use, or weather-related damage, including divot repair, compaction relief, overseeding, and surface conditioningMaintains and improves park turf and common grounds to meet established Town standards for appearance, safety, and usabilityEstablishes, maintains, and transitions seasonal turf areas including rye grass or other overseeding programs to ensure year-round field quality and playabilityMaintains artificial turf systems including grooming, brushing, debris removal, cleaning, and infill redistribution to ensure safe playing conditionsIdentifies and reports artificial turf damage, seam separation, drainage issues, or surface deficiencies requiring repairOperates turf and landscape equipment including mowers, trimmers, aerators, sprayers, blowers, spreaders, and related toolsApplies fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pre-emergents, and other approved turf and landscape treatments in accordance with safety procedures, applicable certifications, and state and federal regulationsMaintains records and logs of chemical applications, inspections, and treatments in accordance with applicable regulations and departmental proceduresAssists in training and monitoring staff in safe pesticide handling, application procedures, equipment operation, and turf maintenance practices, as assignedAssists in turf renovation and improvement projects, including sod installation and restoration of damaged areasPrepares facilities and grounds for special events, athletic events, and public use, adjusting maintenance activities as requiredCommunicates field conditions, hazards, or maintenance needs to supervisors and appropriate personnelCoordinates with irrigation specialist regarding field conditions impacted by watering schedules or system performanceEnsures equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and reported for repair when necessaryPerforms manual labor in support of departmental operations as requiredResponds to weather-related conditions, emergencies, and urgent maintenance needsPerforms other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf Management, Turfgrass Science, or Agronomy or related field andTwo (2) years of progressively responsible experience in athletic field or turf managementOr an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.Valid South Carolina Driver's LicenseMust have or obtain South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of date of hire

Preferred Qualifications

Sports Field Management Association Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)Turfgrass management certification from Clemson University, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), or comparable recognized organization

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of turfgrass maintenance, landscaping practices, and athletic field preparation techniquesKnowledge of sports field safety standards and techniques for maintaining safe, playable athletic surfacesKnowledge of soil health, nutrient management, and other practices affecting turfgrassAbility to evaluate turf conditions and recommend corrective maintenance or treatments to maintain safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing groundsAbility to identify turf diseases, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, drainage concerns, and other conditions affecting turf quality.Knowledge of basic irrigation impacts on turf health (coordination-level understanding only)Knowledge of safe pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer application practicesSkill in operating turf and landscape maintenance equipment safely and effectivelySkill in identifying turf and landscape health issues and implementing corrective actionsAbility to maintain natural and artificial turf systems to municipal standardsAbility to follow maintenance schedules and complete assigned work independentlyAbility to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the publicAbility to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditionsAbility to maintain accurate records and follow safety proceduresAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAbility to supervise and manage assigned personnel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The work requires frequent moderate to heavy physical exertion, including frequent movement across uneven terrain such as parks, athletic fields, and landscaped areas. The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.

The position requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance. Work requires manual dexterity to operate turf and landscape equipment safely and effectively.

The employee must have adequate visual and auditory ability to inspect field conditions, operate equipment, and communicate effectively. Work is performed primarily outdoors and may involve prolonged work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and sun.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTSThe position requires the ability to:

Assess turf, landscape, irrigation, and field conditions and determine appropriate maintenance or corrective actions.Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple work assignments.Interpret product labels, safety information, maintenance manuals, and work orders.Apply sound judgment when operating equipment and handling chemicals.Maintain accurate records of inspections, pesticide applications, and maintenance activities.Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public.Follow written and verbal instructions while adapting to changing priorities, weather conditions, and operational needs.Recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment includes frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and other inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise from equipment, dust, dirt, fertilizers, herbicides, and other landscape materials.

Work is performed primarily in parks, athletic fields, and municipal grounds, with occasional shop environments. The employee may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency or weather-related events.

The position may require occasional travel within Town limits for job assignments, inspections, or related duties. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to emergencies, system failures, natural disasters, Town special events, or operational needs, including evening, weekend or holiday work assignments, as required.

The employee is subject to being on call to support Town operations.