Turf Specialist

Job Title: Turf Management Specialist

Department: Grounds

Supervisor: Director of Grounds & Facilities

Location: Service Building

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Organizational Function: Front Line

PURPOSE: Join the collaborative team at Minnetrista to provide our guests with engaging experiences through recreation, education, historic preservation, art, signature events, and more. This position will focus on creating attractive, inviting, and restorative outdoor spaces across a 40-acre campus, with an emphasis on turf and hardscape maintenance, as well as supporting all other departments to ensure successful programs, events, exhibitions, retail operations, and an overall positive guest experience. A qualified candidate for this position will have a desire to enhance the quality of life in our community and will be committed to developing positive team relationships and providing exceptional service to our guests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have at least 1-2 years’ experience in turf maintenance. Hardscape maintenance experience is preferred. HS diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Demonstrate good customer service skills, work ethic, and teamwork skills.

• Operate a manual transmission vehicle around the grounds.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Minnetrista’s culture is team-oriented and collaborative. To that end, all position responsibilities include the following three performance expectations & priorities:

• Achieve the organization’s purpose demonstrating Minnetrista’s vision, values, mission, goals, and strategies daily.

• Help others achieve the organization’s purpose through collaboration and teamwork.

• Carry out your job function through completing the following essential duties directly.

JOB DUTIES:

• Implement a comprehensive turf management program across campus, including mowing, fertilization, weed control, reseeding, and renovation.

• Scout for turf-related pest, weed, and disease problems and use targeted applications of appropriate products to maintain turf quality while minimizing chemical usage.

• Learn the operation of Minnetrista’s automated irrigation system and adjust irrigation programs as needed throughout the growing season.

• Communicate with the Director of Grounds & Facilities to coordinate the mowing schedule for the Grounds Assistants, ensuring all turf areas are mowed and trimmed in a timely manner.

• Assist with regular morning routines to open the campus, collect outdoor trash, and other daily maintenance.

• Provide labor for other Grounds Department responsibilities, including hardscape installation and repair; installation of exhibitions; apple sorting and cider production; leaf removal; snow removal; and setups for programs and events.

• Work with Minnetrista’s Maintenance Department to keep mowers and trimmers in good working condition. Make recommendations for replacement as needed.

• Act as Crew Leader for the Grounds Department when the Director of Grounds & Facilities is absent.

• Provide support for other projects and assignments as determined by the Director of Grounds & Facilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily outdoors. Must have physical ability to operate heavy equipment and move about the entire Minnetrista 40-acre campus. Travel required across campus in all weather conditions. Work schedule flexibility is critical; will need to work some evenings and weekends. Must be able to work primarily in various outdoor spaces and storage areas. May involve standing on uneven surfaces, natural surfaces, or concrete floors for long periods of time, exposure to hazards and moderate-to-high noise levels. Must have the endurance to work full days. Must be able and willing to operate a manual transmission vehicle. Must be able to climb (stairs and ladders), stretch, reach overhead, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs. A valid driver’s license is required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minnetrista values diversity and inclusivity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.