Athletic Fields and Grounds Coordinator

Job Title: Athletic Fields and Grounds Coordinator
Location: Dorchester School District Two
Department: Facilities / Operations
Reports To: Director of Facilities (or designee)

Contract Days: 245

Salary: DS (Supervisor) scale 

Position Summary

Dorchester School District Two is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Athletic Fields and Grounds Coordinator to lead and manage the District's athletic field and grounds maintenance program. This position is responsible for overseeing all turf management practices, supervising the athletic field crew, coordinating with contracted landscaping services, and collaborating with school administrators and athletic staff to ensure all campuses and athletic facilities are maintained at the highest standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive district-wide turf management program for all athletic fields and grounds.
• Plan and execute seasonal turf care practices including:
  • Overseeding
  • Fertilization
  • Aerification
  • Topdressing
  • Irrigation management
  • Pest and weed control
• Perform and oversee athletic field maintenance, including:
  • Baseball/softball infield skin maintenance and clay work
  • Mound and plate repair
  • Field lining and game preparation
• Supervise, schedule, and evaluate a 3-person athletic field maintenance crew.
• Provide hands-on leadership and technical guidance to ensure best practices in sports turf management are followed.
• Monitor performance of the District's landscape maintenance contractor, ensuring compliance with contract specifications and quality standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of all district athletic fields and grounds to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with Athletic Directors, school administrators, coaches, and other stakeholders to schedule maintenance activities and support athletic programming.
• Develop short- and long-term maintenance plans and budgets for athletic fields and grounds.
• Maintain accurate records of turf applications, maintenance activities, equipment usage, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including pesticide application and safety standards.
• Assist in the development of bid specifications and evaluation of vendors related to turf, equipment, and grounds services.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the grounds team. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a K-12 school environment with direct responsibility for athletic fields and/or grounds maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience in sports turf management and athletic field maintenance practices.
• Valid Class 3 Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing daily operations.
• Strong working knowledge of turfgrass science, irrigation systems, and athletic field construction and maintenance. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).
• Experience managing multiple campuses or large-scale athletic complexes.
• Knowledge of budgeting, contract management, and vendor oversight.
• Experience working collaboratively in a public-school or municipal environment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Turfgrass varieties and regional growing conditions
  • Soil management and amendment practices
  • Integrated pest management (IPM)  
• Ability to:
  • Lead and motivate a team
  • Prioritize and manage multiple projects and schedules
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
  • Maintain high standards of quality and appearance across all facilities
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

Working Conditions

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Requires physical activity including walking, standing, lifting, and operating grounds equipment.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support athletic events and seasonal demands. 

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate and maintain turf and grounds equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining safe and attractive learning and athletic environments for students, staff, and the community.