Athletics and Recreation Turf Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position plays a vital role in supporting the success of the University of Wisconsin River Falls Athletics & Recreation Department including championship-level programs. The Athletics & Recreation Turf Manager is responsible for the overall management preparation and performance of athletic fields and outdoor recreation spaces to ensure a safe high-quality and game-ready environment for varsity athletics intramurals and campus events.

This role directly impacts the student-athlete experience competitive success and external perception of UWRF Athletics. Responsibilities include advanced planning and execution of field preparation for practices and competitions including NCAA-level events as well as leadership of grounds operations aligned with athletic schedules and seasonal demands.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of athletic field and outdoor recreation surface maintenance ensuring competition-ready conditions for all varsity and recreational activities
• Develop and execute field preparation plans aligned with athletic schedules including game-day setup (field lining painting logos branding elements) and post-event recovery
• Coordinate and supervise staff including scheduling task delegation and training to support efficient and high-quality operations
• Monitor turf health and field conditions; implement proactive maintenance strategies including fertilization aeration irrigation pest control and seasonal transitions
• Oversee snow removal and weather-related response to ensure fields facilities and event access points remain safe and operational
• Collaborate with Athletics & Recreation staff coaches and event management personnel to meet sport-specific needs and enhance the game-day environment
• Assist in planning and implementing turf and landscape improvement projects that enhance functionality safety and aesthetics of athletic and recreation spaces
• Maintain surrounding grounds including walkways roadways and spectator areas to ensure a clean safe and welcoming environment for participants and fans
• Research evaluate and implement new turf management techniques materials and equipment to improve efficiency and field performance

• Installs propagates and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment

• Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of various lawn and landscape projects and staff

• Schedules and monitors staff and assists with basic training

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage

• Assists with organizing the layout of planting sites plant and material selection research and evaluate new materials and equipment

• Maintains clean and clear lawns walkways roadways and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris litter snow and ice

Facilities - Grounds

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to independently manage and prioritize work in a dynamic event-driven environment with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to support operations tied to scheduled events including flexibility to work evenings weekends and respond to weather-related needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license meeting Wisconsin standards for University vehicle operation
• Possess or obtain a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicators License (Ornamental & Turf) within 6 months of hire
• Possess or obtain forklift and aerial lift certifications
• Strong working knowledge of turf management practices equipment operation and safety procedures (or ability to quickly develop)
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with athletics staff coaches and campus partners
• Physical ability to perform essential duties including lifting (50 lbs) bending kneeling climbing and working in varying weather conditions
• Ability to maintain records operate computer systems and utilize software related to scheduling maintenance tracking and reporting
• Must complete and successfully pass post-offer employment test.

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Darren Johnson

Search Chair

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration applicants should submit all required materials on or before October 15 2026.

The pay rate is $23.41 per hour.

The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid drivers license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.

A six probationary period is required.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits go to

Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this please contact Human Resources at .

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

As required by Title IX and federal regulations UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRFs Title IX Coordinator at; the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information please see Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you your most recent employer and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at call University Police at for a paper copy.

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability contact or .

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak write listen challenge and learn pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age pregnancy disability status as a protected veteran or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds perspectives and skills and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.