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Position Title:Turf and Field Management Specialist I

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:Degree in Turf Grass Management or related field

Pesticide Applicator certification

Experience with hands-on operation of turf equipment

Experience with athletic field care

Experience with irrigation repair and maintenance

Job Description:

Are you looking for a role where you can take pride in maintaining high-quality athletic and recreational fields that support thousands of Cyclones each year? Are you looking for a position that is primarily Monday-Friday, day hours?

If so, Iowa State University Recreation Services is seeking a Turf and Field Management Specialist I to oversee the care and management of approximately 120 acres of outdoor recreational field space, including 30 acres of premium sports turf designed for both competitive and recreational activities.

This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring all turf areas meet high standards of functionality, safety, and visual appeal. With advanced irrigation and lighting systems in place, the Turf and Field Management Specialist will implement strategic maintenance plans that promote turf health, durability, and environmental compliance, supporting long-term facility excellence.

This role contributes directly to a positive patron experience by ensuring outdoor spaces are safe, consistent, and well-maintained for intramurals, sport clubs, and special events.

What You’ll Do:

+ Oversee the comprehensive care and management of 120 acres of outdoor recreation fields, including 30 acres of premium sports turf.

+ Develop and implement operational strategies for maintaining natural grass and synthetic turf, incorporating advanced irrigation and lighting systems.

+ Maintain turfgrass health through mowing, fertilization, aeration, irrigation, pest management, and herbicide applications.

+ Monitor turf conditions, schedule maintenance cycles, and ensure environmental compliance.

+ Prepare and line fields for intramural programs, sport clubs, and special events.

+ Oversee and maintain turf-related equipment, including mowers, sprayers, and utility vehicles.

+ Collaborate with Rec Services facility operations staff to coordinate field scheduling and long-term turf improvement projects.

+ Provide guidance and training to student employees assisting with field and turf operations.

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours to support recreation events and outdoor field schedules. Indoor work is standard during the off-season to ensure comfort and productivity.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

What We Offer – Exceptional Benefits:

Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

+ Work/Life Balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025!

+ Generous Time Off: 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.

+ Excellent Health Insurance: Including dental and vision coverage.

+ Retirement Plans with Employer Contributions: Choose from multiple plans to secure your future.

+ Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development: Opportunities to grow your career.

+ Wellness Programs & Work-Life Resources: Including mental health and counseling support.

Explore Iowa State’s Benefits: https://hr.iastate.edu/benefits

About Recreation Services:

Iowa State University Recreation Services provides high-quality recreation opportunities that engage students and the campus community in active lifestyles. With state-of-the-art fitness centers, outdoor fields, aquatics, climbing walls, and more, Rec Services supports the wellbeing and engagement of thousands of Cyclones each year.

Level Guidelines• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: August 22, 2025

Posting Close Date:September 14, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17666

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.