What are the responsibilities and job description for the Groundskeeper position at Ascension St. John's Sportsplex?
About Ascension St. John Sportsplex
Ascension St. John Sportsplex is Tulsa’s leading multi-sport and event complex featuring 10 outdoor soccer fields, 2 indoor turf fields, and 8 hard courts. As the official training facility for FC Tulsa, the Sportsplex is a premier venue supporting professional and youth athletics, tournaments, and community programs year-round. Our team is committed to excellence in facility operations, field performance, and guest experience.
Position Summary
The Groundskeeper & Facility Manager is responsible for the maintenance, care, and professional presentation of all outdoor athletic fields, including the FC Tulsa professional training field and all Sportsplex grass and turf surfaces. This position also supports facility maintenance and operational management, ensuring all infrastructure, grounds, and systems are maintained to the highest professional standards.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in sports turf management, groundskeeping, and general facility operations, with a strong understanding of field preparation for elite-level soccer and multi-sport use.
Key Responsibilities
Field & Turf Maintenance
- Perform daily maintenance, mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and repair of all natural grass and turf fields.
- Manage professional-level field preparation for FC Tulsa training sessions and events.
- Conduct regular inspections and implement turf health programs including aeration, overseeding, topdressing, and pest control.
- Operate and maintain grounds equipment including mowers, tractors, sprayers, and utility vehicles.
- Monitor weather and field conditions to make recommendations for closures, rest, and recovery.
Facility Management & Maintenance
- Support day-to-day facility maintenance including building systems, lighting, irrigation, and equipment repairs.
- Assist in planning and executing small-scale maintenance projects and improvements.
- Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and service providers for repairs, supplies, and special projects.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, schedules, and inventory.
Operational Coordination
- Ensure fields and facilities are event-ready for training, games, and tournaments.
- Work collaboratively with the Sports Facilities Director and event staff to schedule and prioritize field use.
- Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
- Support general facility upkeep, custodial coordination, and operational troubleshooting as needed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Facility Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in sports turf or grounds maintenance (professional, collegiate, or municipal experience preferred).
- Working knowledge of turf management principles, irrigation systems, and equipment operation.
- Experience with facility operations, maintenance projects, and vendor coordination.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
- Strong problem-solving, time management, and communication skills.
- Must be available to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and event schedules as needed.
Preferred Certifications
- Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) or equivalent certification
- Pesticide Applicator’s License (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
- OSHA or Facility Maintenance certifications
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.