TURF TECHNICIAN

Job Summary:

The Turf Technician is responsible for maintaining City parks, athletic fields, and related facilities to ensure safe, functional, and high-quality playing surfaces. This position performs skilled and semi-skilled work related to turf management, athletic field preparation, and general grounds maintenance. The Turf Technician operates specialized equipment, performs routine maintenance tasks, and supports seasonal and special event needs while adhering to City policies, safety standards, and attendance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education: High school diploma or GED required.
2. Experience: One (1) to two (2) years of athletic field or turf maintenance experience preferred, or four (4) years of parks and recreation maintenance experience.
3. Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas driver’s license required. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.

Essential Job Functions:

• Inspects athletic fields and park areas to identify safety hazards, turf conditions, and maintenance needs.

• Prepares and maintains athletic fields including baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, and basketball facilities through mowing, lining, dragging, leveling, sodding, and debris removal.

• Operates and maintains equipment such as mowers, tractors, trucks, and hand and power tools in a safe and effective manner.

• Performs routine equipment maintenance including fueling, lubrication, oil changes, and minor adjustments.

• Applies fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety standards and certification requirements.

• Assists with irrigation system operation, inspection, and basic repairs.

• Supports preparation of facilities for practices, games, tournaments, and special events.

• Maintains work areas, equipment, and facilities in a clean and organized condition.

• Communicates maintenance needs, safety concerns, and operational issues to supervisors.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of turf management and athletic field maintenance.

• Safe operation of commercial mowing equipment, tractors, and power tools.

• Irrigation systems, soil preparation, and basic landscaping techniques.

• Occupational safety practices related to grounds maintenance.

• City policies and procedures.

Skills in:

• Operating and maintaining turf and grounds maintenance equipment safely.

• Performing athletic field preparation and turf care tasks efficiently.

• Identifying and responding to safety hazards and maintenance issues.

• Working independently or as part of a team to meet operational deadlines.

• Adapting to changing weather conditions and work priorities.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily outdoors in parks, athletic fields, rights-of-way, and open lots, with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and sun. The position requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching above, at, or below shoulder height for extended periods throughout the workday. The employee must be able to lift and carry moderate-weight objects regularly and heavier materials occasionally while performing turf maintenance and field preparation tasks. The work environment involves operating vehicles, tractors, mowing equipment, and hand and power tools, requiring coordinated eye, hand, and foot movement. Duties may involve uneven terrain, loud equipment noise, and interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the public while maintaining awareness of safety conditions at all times.