Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Tech)

Working Title: Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Tech)

State Role Title:Transportation Operator II

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band:2

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $31500 - $34000

Is this a JMU only positionNo

Is this a grant-funded positionNo

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionNo

Beginning Review Date:5/21/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU) were more than just a publicly funded institution were a vibrant welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation collaboration and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation sick leave parental leave community service leave and 19 paid holidays annually.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources events and support.
Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU we believe in Being the Change and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow contribute meaningfully and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: Information:

James Madison Universitys Facilities Management is seeking a Landscape Specialist (Sports Turf Technician) to help ensure sports turf facilities safety playability and aesthetics. Previous experience with sports turf is helpful but not necessary. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team and learn valuable skills!

The shift for this position is typically Monday Friday 6:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. with overtime as required for special events inclement weather and alternate schedule during the summer months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform general landscape maintenance.
Perform maintenance of all athletic fields including turfgrass management (synthetic and natural).
Daily field inspections.
Operation of various landscape equipment and inspection of irrigation equipment.
Lead the work of assigned wage and summer staff.
Perform safe application of pesticides and fertilizers.
Employee is required to work all home football games.
The employee in this position will be considered designated meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications:

Required:
Ability to learn to use equipment specific to turfgrass maintenance including complex reel and rotary mowers hand tools weedeaters edgers and tractors with attachments.
Ability to work independently be flexible to changing work environments and schedules and perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
Must possess effective communication skills and have strong attention to detail.
Must be at least 19 years old with a valid drivers license and have had a valid drivers license for a total of 24 months at the time of hire and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.
Virginia Pesticide Registered Technicians License or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire; Facilities Management will provide the necessary training tools and support in this process.

Additional Considerations:
Virginia Certified Fertilizer Applicator License or the willingness to obtain.
Working knowledge of landscape maintenance turfgrass management practices and associated equipment is helpful.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age color disability gender identity or expression genetic information national origin parental status political affiliation race religion sex sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access inclusion and diversity for all students faculty staff constituents and programs believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: .

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at or You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office located at 752 Ott Street Harrisonburg VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.