Turfgrass Management Specialists: Saratoga Sod Farm

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Turfgrass Management Specialist to join our progressive, privately owned, family-oriented sod farm operation. We take great pride in providing customers throughout the Northeast with top quality turfgrass sod and related products, backed by exemplary customer service from a professional, knowledgeable and engaged team.

This full-time position will play a key role in the production, maintenance, and quality control of high-quality turfgrass sod and field crops, with a primary focus on scouting, crop protect ant and fertilizer applications, and irrigation management. The ideal candidate will have hands-on turfgrass experience, strong agronomic knowledge, a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

The Turfgrass Management Specialist communicates directly with the Farm Manager and team members to facilitate proper establishment, management, and harvesting of quality turfgrass sod and field crops, portray a company image of professionalism and excellence to the public, and provide outstanding customer service to both our external and internal customers.

• Crop Protect ant application and management – maintain current product inventory; apply all products in compliance with state and federal regulations; maintain current and complete inventory, application and crop health records; communicate all applications to all team members and notify of REIs
• Bentgrass production – oversee day-to-day activities including establishment, scouting, fertility, crop protect ant application, mowing, pest management, and harvest preparation
• Irrigation – manage and monitor turfgrass production irrigation systems, including scheduling, troubleshooting, record keeping and seasonal adjustments of all systems (center pivots, hard hose travelers, solid set pipes); be able to prime and run diesel pumps; run irrigation control Apps; maintain domestic irrigations systems in landscapes, including winterization
• Field Scouting – regularly inspect fields for disease, insects, weeds, drought stress, and other related issues. Communicate conditions with farm manager and develop a treatment plan to maintain healthy turfgrass and crops
• Mechanics – maintain reel mowers for quality cut; overhaul and grind reels and bed knives; operate and assist with maintenance of additional farm equipment as needed
• Support seasonal workload demands as needed – including, but not limited to, sod and crops harvesting, field tillage, mowing

Outdoor work in all weather conditions (dirty, windy, wet, hot, dry, cool or just perfect). Additional hours may be necessary during seasonally busy periods. Heavy lifting and physical exertion will be necessary.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in turfgrass production and management
• Understanding of irrigation principles and turfgrass water management
• Experience applying crop protectants
• Ability to use technology, computers, software, Apps, etc. to perform job duties (Microsoft 365, Excel, Google Forms, etc.)
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Current, valid Certified Pesticide Applicator license (New York State or ability to obtain/transfer)
• Current, valid, driver’s license
• Strong attention to detail, positive attitude and commitment to safety and quality.

• Experience operating farm and turf equipment, including:
• Tractors
• Mowers
• Experience with bentgrass or fine turfgrasses
• Previous sod farm, golf course, or sports turf experience
• Mechanical aptitude and basic equipment maintenance skills
• CDL driver’s license (Class A or
  
  B)
• Spanish fluency

Attendance, punctuality and positive attitude; quality of crops throughout the year; timeliness of performing key responsibilities; ability to work as a team.

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Full time, year-round position. On site – expected to work fully at farm and field locations

Salary/Benefits $62,500 - $68,000;
Benefits eligible

Work Hours
:
Average 10 hrs. daily, with seasonal variation; start time will vary from 6-7 am seasonally

Average Hrs./Wk
:
Generally average 55 hrs./week during season (Monday – Saturday); 40 hrs./week during winter months (Monday – Thursday )