Campus Recreation is a department in the Division of Student Affairs. The University of Central Arkansas Thomas T. Courtway Student Recreation Center (T-Rec) is a 120,000 square feet recreation facility providing structured and unstructured intramural, recreation, fitness and wellness activities and programs to students, faculty and staff. We have approximately 16 acres of outdoor facility space.
The Assistant Director – Facilities & Grounds Operations is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, operation, and scheduling of Campus Recreation and Wellness outdoor facilities (Farris Fields/Rec Fields), and the maintenance of the T-Rec. This position serves as a hands-on leader in facility upkeep, equipment maintenance, turf management, and aquatic operations, while supervising a team of student staff supporting both indoor and outdoor operations.
This role emphasizes operational efficiency, cost savings, facility presentation, and risk management while ensuring high-quality recreational spaces that support student engagement and wellness. The position will directly oversee outdoor field scheduling and maintenance and the maintenance of the T-Rec while provide functional supervision of student staff assigned to facility and grounds operations.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
Facility & Grounds Operations (25%)
- Oversee daily operations of indoor (T-Rec) and outdoor recreation facilities
- Ensure facilities are clean, safe, and fully operational
- Conduct routine inspections of facilities, fields, and equipment
- Identify and address maintenance and safety concerns proactively
Maintenance & Equipment Management (20%)
- Perform hands-on maintenance and preventative care for facility systems and equipment
- Maintain and repair fitness equipment, field equipment, and facility infrastructure to reduce reliance on external vendors
- Troubleshoot and coordinate repairs with Physical Plant or external vendors as needed
- Maintain tools, equipment, and maintenance logs
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through in-house repairs and preventative maintenance
Outdoor Facilities & Turf Management (10%)
- Direct oversight of Farris Fields and all outdoor recreation spaces
- Manage field scheduling for campus groups, programs, and external use
- Oversee turf maintenance including mowing, weed eating, lining, and general field upkeep
- Supervise student field staff; assist with field work when staffing is limited
- Monitor field conditions and implement improvements to enhance playability and safety
Aquatics & Pool Operations (10%)
- Maintain pool chemical levels and aquatic systems in accordance with health and safety standards
- Serve as or obtain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification to manage pool systems in-house
- Reduce reliance on Physical Plant services for pool chemical management through direct oversight
- Conduct routine inspections of aquatic equipment and coordinate repairs as needed
Student Staff Supervision (10%)
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student staff supporting facility and field operations
- Assign staff based on operational needs (indoor vs. outdoor or hybrid roles)
- Provide hands-on training in maintenance tasks, equipment use, and safety procedures
- Evaluate performance and support student development
Scheduling & Event Support (10%)
- Coordinate facility and field scheduling in collaboration with campus partners
- Assist with setup, teardown, and operations for events and programs
- Ensure facilities are prepared to support intramurals, club sports, and special events
Budget, Purchasing & Inventory (5%)
- Assist with purchasing supplies, equipment, and materials for facilities and grounds
- Track inventory of maintenance equipment and supplies
- Support budget monitoring related to facility operations and field maintenance
Risk Management & Safety (5%)
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and risk management practices
- Conduct routine safety inspections of facilities and equipment
- Train student staff on proper safety procedures and equipment use
- Maintain aquatic safety standards including proper chemical handling procedures
Assessment & Administrative Duties (5%)
- Assist with tracking facility usage, maintenance needs, and operational data
- Contribute to departmental reports and assessment efforts
- Participate in staff meetings and departmental initiatives
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of facility maintenance including plumbing, electrical, and general repairs
- Knowledge of turf care, mowing equipment, and field preparation techniques
- Knowledge of aquatic systems and pool chemical management
- Ability to operate maintenance equipment and tools safely
- Ability to lift up to 50–60 pounds and perform physical labor as needed
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with students and campus partners
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment
Skills Considered Essential for Success
- Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
- Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
- Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
- Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
- Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
- Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
- Demonstrate follow-up contacts and consultations in a timely manner.
Required Education and/or Experience
- High School Diploma
- Basic Knowledge of journeyman skills (painting, sheet rock, plumbing, carpentry and electrical).
- Experience in facility operations and/or maintenance of fitness equipment
- Knowledge of turf management and outdoor field maintenance
- Experience supervising or working with student staff
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
- General handyman abilities
- One or more trade-related experience (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or similar)
Preferred Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to facilities, recreation, operations, or a closely related area or Certified plumber, electrician or other related certification.
- Fitness equipment manufacturer certifications/training preferred or ability to obtain within the first 6 months
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
University, Campus, and Community Description
Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Desired start date 07/16/2026
Position Summary and Qualifications
License(s)/Certifications
- One or more trade-related certifications (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or similar) preferred
- Fitness equipment manufacturer certifications/training preferred
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification preferred
Physical Demands Checklist
Sitting, Kneeling, Standing, Balancing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking, Climbing, Crawling
Physical Exertion
Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds, Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds, Heavy Work - Exerting 50-100 pounds, Activities occur inside or outside in approximately equal amounts, Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds
Posting Detail Information
Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
