The Superintendent of Grounds provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management for all athletic fields, grounds, and exterior athletic facilities within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the maintenance, enhancement, and preparation of athletic competition and practice venues to ensure safe, championship-level playing surfaces and aesthetically maintained grounds.
- Athletic Fields and Grounds Operations & Supervision • Provide leadership, direction, and supervision for all grounds staff, including assigning, monitoring, and evaluating daily work activities. • Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance programs for all athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities. • Oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and scheduling of all irrigation systems, pump stations, drainage systems, and related infrastructure. • Direct chemical, fertilizer, and turf management programs, ensuring compliance with University, state, and federal regulations. • Evaluate turf conditions and implement agronomic practices that provide safe, high-quality playing surfaces for practices, competitions, and special events. • Collaborate with coaches and sport administrators to coordinate maintenance schedules, facility improvements, and competition requirements while minimizing operational disruptions. • Serve as the department's subject matter expert on athletic field management and represent the Division with campus partners, industry organizations, vendors, and professional associations. • Research and recommend new technologies, equipment, and best practices to improve field performance, sustainability, and operational efficiencies.
- Facility Operations & Event Support • Oversee the preparation, maintenance, conversion, and restoration of athletic venues for practices, competitions, camps, and special events. • Coordinate field and grounds operations for all home athletic events, ensuring facilities meet NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University standards. • Partner with Event Management and Facilities staff to develop timelines and operational plans for game-day activities and venue readiness. • Ensure athletic facilities, surrounding grounds, and support areas are maintained in a safe, functional, and visually appealing condition. • Monitor work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, and operational priorities, providing regular updates to Athletics Facilities leadership. • Promote and enforce safety procedures, environmental compliance, and risk management practices for staff, student-athletes, and visitors.
- Budget, Personnel & Resource Management • Assist in developing and managing the annual grounds maintenance budget, including forecasting operational and capital equipment needs. • Oversee purchasing of chemicals, fertilizers, seed, equipment, irrigation components, and other grounds-related supplies. • Monitor expenditures and recommend cost-effective solutions while maintaining championship-quality facilities. • Assist with personnel management activities including hiring, scheduling, training, payroll coordination, and performance evaluations. • Maintain operational records, inventory, regulatory documentation, and required reports.
- Strategic Planning & Facility Stewardship • Provide long-term planning and oversight for approximately 85 acres of athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities. • Develop recommendations for facility improvements, renovation projects, and capital replacement initiatives. • Participate in departmental planning efforts to enhance facility operations, sustainability, and customer service. • Foster collaborative relationships across Athletics and the University to support the Division's strategic priorities and operational excellence.
- Work is performed primarily outdoors and requires exposure to varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
- The position requires knowledge of hazardous materials and the safe handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fuels, and other grounds maintenance products.
The incumbent must be able to safely operate heavy equipment, work extended hours as needed, and respond to the operational needs of athletic events.
- Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
May work nights and weekends
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
- Coursework in horticulture, landscape design, or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
- Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
- Work experience in grounds maintenance.
- Two (2) years (24 months) of supervisory work experience in grounds maintenance.
Education:
Bachelors Degree, Master’s Degree, or other advanced degree in agronomy, turfgrass management, sports management, or other related field.
Experience:
3-5 Years of continuous athletic field and turf supervision for a Division I, preferably Power 5 Athletic program.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Class C Driver’s license
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with all applicable NCAA, Big Ten Conference, University, and Division of Intercollegiate Athletics rules and regulations. • Comprehensive knowledge of lawn, tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance. • Proficiency in the operation, maintenance, and safe use of professional grounds equipment, including mowers, aerifiers, topdressers, tractors, utility vehicles, and other specialized turf maintenance equipment. • Working knowledge of irrigation systems, including operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and water management practices. • Knowledge of turfgrass management, including the safe and effective application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in accordance with applicable regulations. • Experience maintaining artificial athletic turf surfaces, including grooming, sanitation, and repair. • Knowledge of skinned infield maintenance, including grading, moisture management, and field preparation for competition. • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3381 - Superintendent of Grounds position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 9/8/2026. Salary range is $78,000 - $90,000 and commensurate with experience. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 7, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037607
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
