Athletic Grounds Specialist

Department:
Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Do you have expertise in turf and chemical application? Join Sarasota County's Parks team as an Athletic Grounds Specialist and play a key role in maintaining the fields where our community comes together to play, compete, and celebrate.

In this hands-on role, you'll be responsible for the safe and effective application of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals across North County Sports Complexes and surrounding athletic fields and parks. You'll also assist with ongoing park maintenance and improvements to help ensure our athletic facilities remain safe, healthy, and game-ready year-round.
The pay starts at $20.10 (Step
1), benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today!


About the Position

• Herbicide, pesticide, and other chemical spray applications on athletic fields and within parks
• Manage the handling and storage of herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides
• Execute the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) for athletic fields. Troubleshoot chemical deficiencies and apply proper corrective solutions of chemicals according to set standards. When dealing with continuous or predictable pests, take appropriate preventative measures to control plant damage
• Oversee and participate in the preparation and application of a variety of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and other pest and disease eradication and control chemicals, as necessary
• Manage the handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides
• Maintain records of chemicals used to ensure accurate product inventory and maintain compliance with state and federal law
• Perform proper calibration on chemical sprayers and granular spreaders
• Conduct field and grounds inspections to assess the presence of pests and general turf health
• Assist with implementing annual renovation projects
• Perform field maintenance duties, including aerating, mowing, vertical cutting, weed abatement, top dressing, and other duties as required
• Operate special equipment in the maintenance, repair, and renovation of athletic facilities, including but not limited to:
  Versa Vacs, Top Dressers, Drum Rollers, Sod Cutters, Aerators, etc.
• Conduct park patrols and general inspections of athletic facilities to ensure the safety of the public; report potential safety hazards or maintenance issues to the supervisor for follow-up, as necessary
• Assist other teams in the maintenance and improvement of parks, park amenities, and infrastructure

About the Schedule


Work Hours:

• Operating Days:
  Sunday - Saturday
• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Work schedule may require occasional evenings and/or weekends, depending upon special events

About You


Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent AND two (2) years of experience with chemical application, athletic field maintenance and/or renovation
• Obtain a Turf and Ornamental Spray License within six months at time of hire
• Valid Florida driver's license at time of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in the operation of heavy landscape and field maintenance equipment
• Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, materials and equipment applicable to the position
• Ability to endure long periods of standing, manual labor, and to work under hot and humid conditions

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50-plus pounds


About Everything Else


Starting Pay Rate: $20.10 (Step
1)
Potential higher pay (steps) for those with multiple years of experience

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team,
please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents
You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver's License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver's License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above - List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above - List C Documents.)

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including…