Assistant Manager Sports Complex Grounds
Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
Job Title: Assistant Manager, Sports Complex
Department: Athletics and Grounds
Reports to: Associate Director of Athletics
Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible
Rate: $50,000-55,000
Location: Lisle Campus
Position Summary: This position plays a vital leadership role in managing and maintaining both artificial and natural surface playing fields, as well as other exterior use sites at the stadium. Working independently, the position exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to assess field conditions and implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety and quality of all activities and events.
The role provides direct support to the Facilities Department and supervises outside contractors and part-time staff, working collaboratively across departments such as Athletics and Conference Services. The position requires a flexible schedule, including availability for day, evening, weekend, and occasional holiday work, based on the university’s athletic and event calendar. The Assistant Manager, Sports Complex, is responsible for ensuring the safety, playability, and readiness of all athletic fields, facilities, and associated equipment within the college’s sports complex. This position conducts routine inspections, oversees quality control processes, and coordinates maintenance and improvement projects to support seasonal athletic operations.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
1. Field Maintenance:
- Oversee daily maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields, including mowing, trimming, edging, and surface cleaning of both natural and artificial turf areas.
- Manage and monitor the irrigation system, performing regular inspections, adjustments, and coordinating repairs to maintain proper water efficiency and turf health.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fertilizer and pesticide program to ensure the health, safety, and playability of all turf areas and adjacent grounds.
- Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety regulations to address current infestations and proactively prevent future outbreaks.
- Supervise outside contractors and part-time staff assigned to the Facilities Department, ensuring quality standards and timely completion of projects.
- Coordinate field markings, setup, and breakdowns for athletic events, practices, and other university functions.
- Support general landscaping needs across campus, including mowing, line trimming, leaf blowing, and debris removal as needed.
- Maintain detailed records of maintenance schedules, chemical applications, and irrigation system performance.
- Collaborate closely with Athletics, Conference Services, and Facilities to plan for upcoming events and adjust maintenance schedules accordingly.
- Maintain flexibility to workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the university’s athletic and event schedule.
2. Off-Season Operations-
Oversee and perform snow and ice removal on stadium field, walkways, spectator areas, within the sports complex. Ensure safe access to facilities during winter months and protect turf/field systems from weather-related damage.
Field & Facility Care-
Conduct off-season inspections of fields, turf, equipment, and infrastructure to identify maintenance needs and support long-term field health and readiness.
Support for Grounds & Facilities Staff-
Collaborate closely with the Grounds and Facilities teams, assisting with winter maintenance, repairs, and operational tasks assigned. Provide additional labor support during high-demand periods.
Dan and Ada Rice Center Maintenance Assistance-
Assist with routine upkeep, minor repairs, and facility operations inside the Dan and Ada Rice Center, ensuring spaces remain clean, safe, and functional for campus users.
Equipment & Safety-
Maintain snow removal equipment, field maintenance tools, and off-season machinery. Follow and enforce safety procedures during winter operations and facility work.
Operational Readiness-
Contribute to planning and preparation for the transition from off-season to spring athletic operations, including field recovery, turf conditioning, and equipment setup.
3. Field & Facility Inspections-
Perform regular inspections of playing fields, sports facilities, and related vehicles/equipment to assess conditions, identify operational needs, and determine readiness for seasonal use.
Quality Control & Equipment Management-
Oversee the quality and performance of vehicles, machinery, carts, and field maintenance equipment. Prepare detailed recommendations for repairs, replacements, and preventive maintenance.
Project Management-
Apply project management principles to prioritize operational needs, develop schedules, and establish timelines for repairs, enhancements, and seasonal preparations. Provide funding recommendations and coordinate project execution.
Contractor Coordination-
Prepare and issue RFPs or bid invitations for field-related services (e.g., turf care, seating, lighting) in collaboration with the Athletics Department. Manage contractor selection, coordinate onsite work, and ensure timely follow-up and performance monitoring of subcontractors.
Communication & Reporting-
Present proposed upgrades, maintenance needs, and improvement plans to Facilities Management leadership, Athletics Department staff, and relevant stakeholders. Provide clear documentation and status updates for ongoing and completed projects.
4. Personnel Management Labor Coordination-
Collaborate with the Facilities Department and Athletics Department to coordinate labor needs and ensure all field operations are fully staffed, prepared, and completed on schedule.
Staffing & Supervision-
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees and part-time staff. Provide ongoing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure high-quality work performance and compliance with safety and operational standards.
Performance Management-
Conduct regular performance evaluations for support staff, provide constructive feedback, and implement performance improvement strategies when needed.
Training & Development-
Plan, organize, and deliver offseason safety training programs and other professional development sessions to promote safe, efficient, and effective field operations.
Other Functions:
1. Mail delivered to the Dan & Ada Rice Center as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Certification from the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) (or related) or a Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Five-Seven (5-7) years with an emphasis on sports turf maintenance with pesticide application and turfgrass disease control, soil management, and sports field preparation is highly desirable.
Specific Skills: Advanced understanding of sports turf requirements and challenges. Awareness of chemical safety. Knowledge of horticulture, arbor techniques helpful.
Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Valid Driver’s License required. Pesticide Applicators License required.
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; climb or balance; to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to frequently lift 50 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday. Position may require working in various or extreme weather conditions.
Travel (If applicable): N/A
Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable): Assigned Student Workers
Working Conditions: Outdoors
Employee Benefits Package:
We are pleased to offer the following benefits to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Please note that benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements may apply:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage to support your health needs.
- Disability Insurance: Protection for both short-term and long-term disability.
- Life Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones in case of the unexpected.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and mental health days.
- Retirement Plans: Save for your future with our retirement savings options.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counseling and resources for mental well-being.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for your education and professional development.
- Financial Wellness Advisors: Personalized advice to help manage and plan your finances.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
Benedictine University does not discriminate in its admissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other University administered programs or employment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional and statutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsored institution. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training and compensation.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The following of campus specific guidelines for pandemic protocols are required.
Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
