Director, Sports Turf

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 138 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives.

At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are:
Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you! We are seeking applicants for the position of Director, Sports Turf. Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director, Facilities and Capital Planning, you will oversee a staff of athletics groundskeepers and manage day‑to‑day turf management for all athletic playing fields for Stanford Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.

• Oversee day to day sports turf operation, including maintenance planning, scheduling and staffing.
• Develop strategic plans in equipment, staffing and water efficiency.
• Oversee and/or monitor project activities; ensure integration with larger unit goals; coordinate with internal staff, subcontractors, and/or vendors.
• Clarify and resolve problems spanning multiple areas or technical fields and/or develop programs within assigned facilities.
• Oversee groundskeeper staffing and performance evaluation of assigned staff; contributing to department or division staffing needs forecast.
• Manage and/or develop annual budget for sports turf unit, including staffing, maintenance, contracts, etc.
• Manage ongoing service contracts with third parties as applicable.
• Participate in department/unit strategic management, including making recommendations involving short‑term planning for facility‑type projects and for longer‑range programs/projects.
• Research and report latest innovations in field maintenance and irrigation.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management or other appropriate technical area, or combination of education training, and experience. Two or more years of experience managing facilities operations and maintenance staff.
• Six or more years of sports turf management experience is preferred.
• Required to have Qualified Applicator Certification;
  Qualified Applicator License, or an ability to obtain a QAL preferred.
• Great communications and positive relationships with outside groups, students, faculty, staff.
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills in a fast paced environment.
• Must have the ability to work on deadlines and handle several responsibilities simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of current field trends and technologies.
• Significant independent judgment and self‑motivation.

Please include a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references submitted as a single attachment with your application. All applications must be submitted via Stanford’s Careers webpage.

This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and ACC rules and regulations.

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a Ted Talk, film screening,…