Intercollegiate Athletics

The Athletics Department at the University of Missouri is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Turfgrass Specialist to join its landscape and turf team. The Turfgrass Specialist will be responsible for the maintenance, care, and improvement of athletic field surfaces, ensuring the highest standards of safety, playability, and aesthetics.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive turf management programs for athletic fields, including mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and aeration.
• Monitoring and analyzing turfgrass health, soil conditions, and water usage and making recommendations for improvement as needed.
• Overseeing the scheduling and execution of field preparation for athletic events, practices, and other activities.
• Collaborating with coaches, athletic trainers, and other staff to ensure that field conditions meet the specific needs of various sports and events.
• Training and supervising grounds crew members in proper turfgrass maintenance techniques and equipment operation.
• Maintaining inventory of turf management supplies, equipment, and tools, and assisting with budget planning and procurement.
• Staying current with industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in turfgrass management.
• In addition to the core responsibilities outlined in the job description, the Turfgrass Specialist will also play a crucial role in overseeing broader landscaping efforts and projects as assigned.

Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm; Nights, Weekends as required.

A high school diploma and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in turfgrass management

$19 - $22 per hour

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.