Superintendent of Grounds - Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

Duties & Responsibilities

• Athletic Fields and Grounds Operations & Supervision • Provide leadership, direction, and supervision for all grounds staff, including assigning, monitoring, and evaluating daily work activities. • Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance programs for all athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities. • Oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and scheduling of all irrigation systems, pump stations, drainage systems, and related infrastructure. • Direct chemical, fertilizer, and turf management programs, ensuring compliance with University, state, and federal regulations. • Evaluate turf conditions and implement agronomic practices that provide safe, high-quality playing surfaces for practices, competitions, and special events. • Collaborate with coaches and sport administrators to coordinate maintenance schedules, facility improvements, and competition requirements while minimizing operational disruptions. • Serve as the department''s subject matter expert on athletic field management and represent the Division with campus partners, industry organizations, vendors, and professional associations. • Research and recommend new technologies, equipment, and best practices to improve field performance, sustainability, and operational efficiencies.
• Facility Operations & Event Support • Oversee the preparation, maintenance, conversion, and restoration of athletic venues for practices, competitions, camps, and special events. • Coordinate field and grounds operations for all home athletic events, ensuring facilities meet NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University standards. • Partner with Event Management and Facilities staff to develop timelines and operational plans for game-day activities and venue readiness. • Ensure athletic facilities, surrounding grounds, and support areas are maintained in a safe, functional, and visually appealing condition. • Monitor work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, and operational priorities, providing regular updates to Athletics Facilities leadership. • Promote and enforce safety procedures, environmental compliance, and risk management practices for staff, student-athletes, and visitors.
• Budget, Personnel & Resource Management • Assist in developing and managing the annual grounds maintenance budget, including forecasting operational and capital equipment needs. • Oversee purchasing of chemicals, fertilizers, seed, equipment, irrigation components, and other grounds-related supplies. • Monitor expenditures and recommend cost-effective solutions while maintaining championship-quality facilities. • Assist with personnel management activities including hiring, scheduling, training, payroll coordination, and performance evaluations. • Maintain operational records, inventory, regulatory documentation, and required reports.
• Strategic Planning & Facility Stewardship • Provide long-term planning and oversight for approximately 85 acres of athletic fields, landscapes, and exterior athletic facilities. • Develop recommendations for facility improvements, renovation projects, and capital replacement initiatives. • Participate in departmental planning efforts to enhance facility operations, sustainability, and customer service. • Foster collaborative relationships across Athletics and the University to support the Division''s strategic priorities and operational excellence.