Assistant Manager Sports Complex Grounds

Job Title: Assistant Manager Sports Complex Department: Athletics and Grounds Reports to: Associate Director of Athletics Status: Full-Time Benefit Eligible: Yes Rate: $50,000 - $55,000 Location: Lisle Campus

Position Summary This position plays a vital leadership role in managing and maintaining both artificial and natural surface playing fields as well as other exterior use sites at the stadium. Working independently, the position exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to assess field conditions and implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety and quality of all activities and events.

The role provides direct support to the Facilities Department and supervises outside contractors and part-time staff, working collaboratively across departments such as Athletics and Conference Services. The position requires a flexible schedule including availability for day, evening, weekend, and occasional holiday work based on the universitys athletic and event calendar.

The Assistant Manager Sports Complex is responsible for ensuring the safety, playability, and readiness of all athletic fields, facilities, and associated equipment within the colleges sports complex. This position conducts routine inspections, oversees quality control processes, and coordinates maintenance and improvement projects to support seasonal athletic operations.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Field Maintenance

• Oversee daily maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields, including mowing, trimming, edging, and surface cleaning of both natural and artificial turf areas.
• Manage and monitor the irrigation system, performing regular inspections, adjustments, and coordinating repairs to maintain proper water efficiency and turf health.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fertilizer and pesticide program to ensure the health, safety, and playability of all turf areas and adjacent grounds.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety regulations to address current infestations and proactively prevent future outbreaks.
• Supervise outside contractors and part-time staff assigned to the Facilities Department, ensuring quality standards and timely completion of projects.
• Coordinate field markings setup and breakdowns for athletic events, practices, and other university functions.
• Support general landscaping needs across campus, including mowing, line trimming, leaf blowing, and debris removal as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance schedules, chemical applications, and irrigation system performance.
• Collaborate closely with Athletics, Conference Services, and Facilities to plan for upcoming events and adjust maintenance schedules accordingly.
• Maintain flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the universitys athletic and event schedule.

2. Off-Season Operations

• Oversee and perform snow and ice removal on stadium fields, walkways, and spectator areas within the sports complex. Ensure safe access to facilities during winter months and protect turf field systems from weather-related damage.
• Conduct off-season inspections of fields, turf equipment, and infrastructure to identify maintenance needs and support long-term field health and readiness.
• Collaborate closely with the Grounds and Facilities teams, assisting with winter maintenance, repairs, and operational tasks assigned. Provide additional labor support during high-demand periods.
• Assist with routine upkeep, minor repairs, and facility operations inside the Dan and Ada Rice Center, ensuring spaces remain clean, safe, and functional for campus users.
• Maintain snow removal equipment, field maintenance tools, and off-season machinery. Follow and enforce safety procedures during winter operations and facility work.
• Contribute to planning and preparation for the transition from off-season to spring athletic operations, including field recovery, turf conditioning, and equipment setup.

3. Field & Facility Inspections

• Perform regular inspections of playing fields, sports facilities, and related vehicles/equipment to assess conditions, identify operational needs, and determine readiness for seasonal use.
• Oversee the quality and performance of vehicles, machinery, carts, and field maintenance equipment. Prepare detailed recommendations for repairs, replacements, and preventive maintenance.
• Apply project management principles to prioritize operational needs, develop schedules, and establish timelines for repairs, enhancements, and seasonal preparations. Provide funding recommendations and coordinate project execution.
• Prepare and issue RFPs or bid invitations for field-related services (e.g., turf care, seating, lighting) in collaboration with the Athletics Department. Manage contractor selection, coordinate onsite work, and ensure timely follow-up and performance monitoring of subcontractors.
• Present proposed upgrades, maintenance needs, and improvement plans to Facilities Management leadership, Athletics Department staff, and relevant stakeholders. Provide clear documentation and status updates for ongoing and completed projects.

4. Personnel Management

• Collaborate with the Facilities Department and Athletics Department to coordinate labor needs and ensure all field operations are fully staffed, prepared, and completed on schedule.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees and part-time staff. Provide ongoing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure high-quality work performance and compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations for support staff, provide constructive feedback, and implement performance improvement strategies when needed.
• Plan, organize, and deliver off-season safety training programs and other professional development sessions to promote safe, efficient, and effective field operations.

Other Functions

• Mail delivered to the Dan & Ada Rice Center as needed.