OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:
ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a skilled Grounds & Sports Turf Technician to support Field Superintendents in the maintenance and upkeep of athletic fields, grounds, and related equipment. This role involves operating specialized turf equipment, conducting daily field inspections, and performing turf management for synthetic turf, Bermuda grass, bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass. The technician ensures all fields meet NCAA and NSU standards, assists with irrigation systems, applies fertilizers and pesticides safely, and supervises seasonal staff. Availability is required for all home football games and during inclement weather events for snow and ice removal. This Full-time position starts at $17 per hour and is located in Norfolk, VA.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Assist Field Superintendents with all aspects of field and grounds maintenance, including equipment oversight
Operate various types of equipment, including but not limited to:
Rotary and reel mowers
Tractors and aerifiers
Gators, chain saws, and blowers
Paint machines and top dressers
Perform turf grass management for synthetic turf, Bermuda grass, bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass
Conduct daily field inspections and ensure proper field conditions
Operate complex turf grass equipment and inspect irrigation systems
Ensure all athletic fields and facilities comply with NCAA and NSU standards and regulations
Supervise and lead seasonal and wage staff assigned
Apply pesticides and fertilizers safely and in accordance with regulations
Work all home football games as part of field preparation and maintenance support
Report for duty during inclement weather, including during authorized closings, to assist with snow and ice removal or related emergency tasks
Efficiently performs duties as assigned and works as a team within division and company.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Experience in groundskeeping, turf management, or a related field
Knowledge of turf types and maintenance practices, including synthetic turf, Bermuda grass, bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass
Ability to safely operate and maintain various groundskeeping equipment (e.g., mowers, tractors, aerifiers, blowers, chain saws)
Understanding of irrigation systems and basic troubleshooting
Familiarity with safe pesticide and fertilizer application procedures
Ability to interpret and comply with NCAA and NSU field standards
Experience supervising seasonal or temporary staff is a plus
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays for events (including all home football games)
Availability during inclement weather events, including authorized closings, to assist with snow and ice removal
Physical ability to perform outdoor labor in various weather conditions
Valid driver’s license (required or preferred, depending on employer policy)
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Ability to effectively communicate to large and small group audiences.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent, required.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or turf management (required)
Experience with athletic field maintenance and operation of specialized turf equipment (preferred)
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds at times.
Standard hours of work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.
Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:
You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
You like to make your employer look good.
You find solutions, where others only see problems.
You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.
You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.
You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.
The benefits of working for ATHENA include:
Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.
Medical, dental and vision insurance.
Medical and dependent flexible spending account.
Pet insurance.
Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.
401k with a generous employer match.
Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.
Paid time off varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.
Holiday pay varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.
The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.
ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.