Job Summary

The South Campus Athletic Field & Grounds Manager works under the direction of the Associate Director of Grounds, Landscape & Recycling and supports the implementation of comprehensive grounds, landscape, irrigation, and recycling service plans and schedules for South Campus. The incumbent manages the daily operations of the South Campus Grounds Services team within Facilities Development & Operations (FD&O), delivering a wide range of routine and specialized grounds care services in support of a Division I Athletics environment.

In this role, the incumbent oversees resource allocation based on operational priorities while ensuring continuity of operations, with an emphasis on sustainable Division I athletic grounds management practices. The incumbent is directly responsible for implementing and overseeing routine and specialized maintenance plans and schedules for all assigned areas, including the tracking of key performance metrics and quality control standards. The role utilizes the FD&O computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to ensure periodic maintenance is properly scheduled, executed, and documented.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees all South Campus grounds, landscape, irrigation, and Division I athletic field maintenance operations
• Develops, implements, and manages preventive maintenance programs, service standards, and work plans for grounds and athletic facilities
• Manages athletic field turf systems to ensure safety, playability, and compliance with NCAA Division I standards
• Implements and oversees Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in compliance with state, federal, and organic standards
• Manages irrigation systems and water conservation initiatives, including scheduling, leak detection, and drought-responsive practices
• Supervises grounds personnel, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, coaching, and corrective action
• Serves as primary point of contact for Athletics, Club Sports, and Kinesiology regarding field use, scheduling, and service coordination
• Oversees use of the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to schedule work, track performance, and document labor and resources
• Establishes quality control programs and performance metrics to monitor service delivery and drive continuous improvement
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations, supports emergency response activities, and advances sustainability and stewardship initiatives

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of grounds, landscape, irrigation, arboriculture, and athletic field management in a large, complex environment
• Knowledge of sustainable and organic land care practices, including soil health management, organic fertilizers, and IPM
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, and implement comprehensive grounds and athletic field maintenance programs
• Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate staff in a represented and diverse workforce
• Knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and pesticide regulations and compliance requirements
• Ability to analyze operational data, develop performance metrics, and implement service improvements
• Ability to deliver high-level customer service and manage competing priorities in a high-visibility athletics setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to work effectively with campus partners, leadership, contractors, and staff
• Ability to interpret landscape and design plans and coordinate complex maintenance and improvement projects
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain continuity of operations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in horticulture or a related field OR which may be obtained through a minimum of two years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and performing grounds operations, a minimum of two years of which are associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Three years of professional work experience directly related to landscape management of a large campus or complex, of which a minimum of three years associated with progressively responsible management experience
• Knowledge of landscape practices as related to irrigation, integrated pest management, and organic vegetation management
• Supervisory work experience in management of personnel or employee relations issues
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grounds maintenance plans

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pest Control Certification (QAL or QLC) from the State of California, or Certified IPM Technician (CIT)
• Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) credential from the Professional Grounds Management Society
• Membership or certification with the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) with a focus on sustainable practices
• Certified Arborist from the ISA or ASCA
• Certified Landscape or Golf Irrigation Auditor from the Irrigation Association
• NOFA Organic Land Care Professional certification, or equivalent training in organic land management
• Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment
• Experience managing athletic fields using organic and ecologically sustainable methods
• Experience in grounds services management of a State facility, College or University, or other environment with extensive grounds
• Experience managing grounds services and operations in a high level NCAA or professional sports environment

Compensation

Classification: Administrator I
Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,545/month - $9,000/month
CSU Salary Range: $4,135/month - $12,288/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: February 2, 2026, through DAY February 19, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.