What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) position at James Madison University?
- 20002369
- Business Services
- Facilities / Skilled Trades
- Full-time Staff (Classified)
- Opening on: Oct 20 2026
- Administration and Finance
- 100258 - Landscape E&G
Working Title: Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician)
State Role Title: Transportation Operator II
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Business Services
Department: 100258 - Landscape E&G
Pay Band: 2
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $32,400 - $34,900
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/28/2026
About JMU
At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
- Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
- Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
- Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information
James Madison University’s Facilities Management is seeking a Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) to help ensure sports turf facilities’ safety, playability, and aesthetics. Previous experience with sports turf is helpful, but not necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team and learn valuable skills!
The shift for this position is typically Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime as required for special events, inclement weather, and alternate schedule during the summer months.
This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. $1,000 will be paid out after completing six months in the position and the remaining $1,000 will be paid out after completing 12 months in the position.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Perform general landscape maintenance.
- Perform maintenance of all athletic fields including turfgrass management (synthetic and natural).
- Daily field inspections.
- Operation of various landscape equipment and inspection of irrigation equipment.
- Lead the work of assigned wage and summer staff.
- Perform safe application of pesticides and fertilizers.
- Employee is required to work all home football games.
- The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.
Required:
- Ability to learn to use equipment specific to turfgrass maintenance including complex reel and rotary mowers, hand tools, weedeaters, edgers, and tractors with attachments.
- Ability to work independently, be flexible to changing work environments and schedules, and perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
- Must possess effective communication skills and have strong attention to detail.
- Must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license and have had a valid driver’s license for a total of 24 months at the time of hire and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
- Virginia Pesticide Registered Technician’s License or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire; Facilities Management will provide the necessary training tools and support in this process.
- Virginia Certified Fertilizer Applicator License or the willingness to obtain.
- Working knowledge of landscape maintenance, turfgrass management practices, and associated equipment is helpful.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
Salary : $32,400 - $34,900