Lead Athletic Facility Crewperson, Natural Grass

Overview

The Athletic Facility Crewperson is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Princeton's athletic facilities. Facilities include natural grass fields, artificial turf fields, swimming pools, basketball/volleyball courts, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, indoor/outdoor tracks, an ice rink, squash courts, fencing room, strength and conditioning facilities, athletic medicine facilities, etc. As part of a Division I athletic program it is the expectation that all facilities will be maintained to the highest possible standards.

Schedules and duties assigned are event driven and can vary from season to season as well as day to day. Crew members must have a thorough understanding of the department's many different facilities and equipment that is necessary to run a Division I athletic department. In addition, crew members are expected to develop a complete understanding of the requirements for competition for the 38 varsity sports and numerous club and intramural programs that utilize the facilities. Crew members are expected to work both independently and collaboratively as well as utilize problem solving and troubleshooting skills when necessary in order to diagnose and make repairs on equipment as needed. In addition, crew members are expected to provide excellent customer service by interacting with coaches, staff, and visiting teams as well as making appropriate decisions with minimal supervision.

In addition to the Athletic Facility Crewperson responsibilities, the Lead Athletic Facility Crewperson for Natural Grass Fields is responsible for developing and implementing the maintenance practices for all the department's natural grass fields. These fields include but are not limited to a sand-based soccer field, rugby fields, recreational fields, a baseball field, a track and field venue, and a cross country course. The expectation is that all of these fields will be maintained to the highest standards possible for a Division I athletic program. Maintenance practices will be determined in consultation with Department leadership as well as outside consultants if necessary and include fertilization programs, cultural practices, irrigation management, etc. In addition, the Lead Athletic Facility Crewperson is expected to assume a leadership role in the absence of the Athletic Facility Crew supervisor.

Princeton University Department of Athletics is committed to creating a workplace culture where differences are celebrated, where all employees feel valued and are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the fertilization/pesticide program for the department's natural grass fields with the understanding that different fields will require different programs.• Ensure that all applications, whether being done by this position or the other Athletic Facility Crew members, are being done according to NJ Regulations. • Work with the crew supervisor to determine mowing schedules, mow heights, etc.• Develop and implement a program for aeration, top dressing, overseeding, etc. and ensure that all crewmembers performing these functions are properly trained and performing these duties appropriately. • Inspect fields and make adjustment and/or corrective actions to the maintenance program when necessary.

• Manage the department's irrigation systems and make adjustments as needed based on weather or season. Troubleshoot, repair, and winterize systems as needed.• Work directly with outside consultants and/or contractors when necessary to ensure that the University is receiving the highest quality of service. • Work directly with department schedulers in order to make sure that appropriate maintenance windows and recovery times are being allocated on the field use schedule. • Assume a leadership role when necessary in the absence of the Athletic Facility Crew Supervisor.

• Maintenance of natural grass fields including mowing, fertilizing, seeding, aerating, top dressing, irrigation installation and maintenance, field lining, etc. • Maintenance of artificial turf fields including grooming, blowing, making repairs, cleaning, adding infill, etc. • General upkeep of outdoor venues and common areas including sweeping, leaf/debris cleanup, trimming, landscaping, pressure washing, litter pickup, trash removal, etc. • General upkeep of indoor venues including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, litter pickup, trash removal, cleaning glass, etc. • Maintenance of ice rink including operation of the ice resurfacer, management of the ice sheet, and equipment checks/maintenance.• Perform maintenance on University swimming pools and fountains as needed.

• Snow/ice removal operations within and around athletic venues as well as artificial turf fields utilizing both hand tools as well as machinery such as plows, loaders, snowblowers, etc. • For special events and contests: set up bleachers, goals, platforms, coach/team benches and tables for announcers, scorekeepers and radio and television crews, etc.• Move equipment and supplies around and between athletic venues as needed for the operation of the department and events.• Perform minor maintenance and basic trade skills to make repairs on equipment and within facilities including assembly and installation of equipment as well as demolition and removal of equipment. • Provide excellent customer service by serving as a point of contact for coaches, staff, external rental groups, outside contractors, etc. to include facility setup and general information.

• Work with outside contractors and University trades (including submitting work orders) as needed as it relates to the general upkeep of athletic facilities.• Troubleshoot and repair equipment such as scoreboards, public address systems, timing systems, machinery, and equipment related to the different athletic programs, etc.• Operate and maintain machinery such as mowers, high reach lifts, plows, loaders, forklifts, ice resurfacer, etc. • Assist with securing facilities and equipment as needed at the conclusion of a scheduled shift. • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• HS or GED required

• At least two years of experience managing natural grass athletic fields preferably at the collegiate level.• NJ DEP certification as a pesticide applicator for Category 3B Turf within 6 months of hire.• NJ certification as a fertilizer applicator within 6 months of hire.• Ability to demonstrate dependability and flexibility as the Athletic Department requires a flexible work schedule that varies season by season. Regular time hours may include weekends and nights as required by the Athletic Department. The ability to work overtime as needed may be required as per Article 15, Section 3B in the SEIU contract. • The Athletic Facilities Crew is considered essential personnel and required to report to work during normal campus closures due to weather or other campus emergencies/closures.• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and work with minimal supervision.• Valid driver's license.• Strong familiarity with the operations of the various electronic and/or mechanical equipment in order to perform minor adjustments in the event of breakdown and/or failure.• Knowledge of the layout and dimensions of various NCAA playing surfaces and to be able to prepare them (lining, setting up goals, etc.) for intercollegiate contests, as well as for daily practice.• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, administrators, staff, coaches, officials, and the general public.• Adherence to Ivy League and NCAA rules and regulations is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed certifications or programs for sportsturf management, turfgrass science, or related courses.• Basic familiarity with hand tools and a high level of mechanical aptitude.• Basic familiarity with trade skills such as small engine or automotive repair, carpentry, minor electrical work, minor plumbing work, and painting.• Previous experience in an athletic environment performing grounds maintenance work.• Athletic Turf (natural and synthetic) and irrigation systems experience.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

40.00

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

Per union contract

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver's License Required

Yes

Union Code

SEU-Service Employees Inter Union

#LI-JE1