Assistant AD for Grounds

The Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA), founded in 1891, is a nonprofit organization whose objective is to "promote, influence, and assist in financing the varsity athletic programs of the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy" in accordance with the policy of the Superintendent of the Academy. Through an intercollegiate athletics program that is one of the largest in the country, every midshipman is afforded the opportunity to compete in athletics at the Division I level. The emphasis on physical fitness is borne out in the first line of the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy: To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.

Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director for Grounds is responsible for the daily maintenance, preparation, and overall playing condition of assigned Naval Academy Athletic Association athletic fields. This is a hands-on position responsible for maintaining three natural Bermuda grass athletic fields and one artificial turf field to provide safe, high-quality playing surfaces for varsity practices, competitions, and special events.

The position also serves as the primary NAAA liaison to the government contractor responsible for maintaining additional natural grass and synthetic turf athletic fields utilized by Navy varsity athletic programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform and coordinate all aspects of maintenance for three bermuda grass athletic fields and one artificial turf field.

• Serve as the primary NAAA liaison to the government grounds-maintenance contractor responsible for 6 bermuda grass and 3 turf varsity athletic fields.

• Develop and implement seasonal turf management programs including mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, irrigation, pest management, and field repair.

• Prepare fields for varsity practices and competitions, including mowing, grooming, lining, painting, field markings, and equipment setup.

• Monitor field conditions and make recommendations regarding field use, recovery periods, and maintenance requirements.

• Operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair athletic field irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, piping, pumps, and related components.

• Develop and manage irrigation schedules based on field conditions, weather, turf requirements, and event schedules.

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on grounds equipment and coordinate larger equipment repairs as necessary.

• Maintain the artificial turf field in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices, including grooming, infill management, cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs.

• Coordinate field schedules and maintenance activities with coaches, athletic staff, Facilities, and Event Operations.

• Monitor contractor performance and field conditions and communicate deficiencies, priorities, schedules, and varsity program requirements.

• Conduct regular inspections of contractor-maintained fields and document conditions and maintenance concerns.

• Coordinate with appropriate government representatives regarding contractor performance, maintenance requirements, and field-related issues.

• Maintain records of field maintenance, irrigation repairs, applications, inspections, equipment maintenance, and significant field conditions.

• Assist with planning and budgeting for turf replacement, irrigation improvements, equipment purchases, and other grounds-related capital needs.

• Support athletic events and special events requiring grounds or field preparation.

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Experience, Education, & Certification(s)

  • Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management; Turf Certificate or related field preferred; significant relevant experience may substitute for formal education.

  • 3-5 years of experience maintaining high-quality athletic fields, collegiate or professional sports fields preferred.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

  • Demonstrated experience maintaining Bermuda grass athletic fields.

  • Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, and repairing irrigation systems is required.

  • Experience maintaining synthetic/artificial turf athletic fields.

  • Knowledge of mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, pest management, field painting, and athletic field preparation.

  • Ability to independently diagnose turf, irrigation, drainage, and field-condition issues.

  • Experience working with contractors and evaluating contracted grounds-maintenance services preferred.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain applicable pesticide or fertilizer certifications as required.

  • Ability to operate tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, aerators, sprayers, field-painting equipment, and other grounds-maintenance equipment.

  • Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

  • Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on athletic schedules and field conditions.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States of America, without sponsorship.

• Must be eligible to work on a military installation, including a willingness to submit to a background screen.