Job Details

Turf Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

Position Number: 6083092
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Facilities Management

Turf Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 929
Job Category: Facilities Services
Posting Date: 03/14/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 2040 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
This position is responsible for managing and maintaining all improved event lawn areas. Currently this includes: Circle Park, Humanities, Pedestrian Mall, Magnolia Residence Hall, and Student Union event lawns. Two additional event lawns will be added over the next two years that will increase his responsibilities. Event lawn spaces are highly maintained turf and landscape areas requiring a higher level of care and knowledge above and beyond the rest of campus. This position will be responsible for scheduling and prioritizing their own job duties and tasks for student workers. They will also be responsible for managing and monitoring event set up and tear down in these locations to help protect the turf and landscape when possible.

Responsibilities

Mowing, Trimming, and Blowing of event lawn areas. This will include making sure our reel-cut mower is adjusted and properly set up before mowing
Chemical application on turf and landscape areas including Herbicide treatments, Fungicide treatments, Insecticide treatments, and Fertilizer
Responsible for calibrating and cleaning/sterilization of the spray unit before and after the application is made.
Turf Cultural practices including but not limited to: topdressing, aerification, vertical mowing
Responsible for scheduling their own work tasks on a daily basis, along with scheduling duties for student workers assigned to them
Managing and monitoring event set up and tear down which includes working with vendors and event coordinators to help facilitate set up and tear down of event structures and equipment.
This position will be a contact person to help solve event conflicts or needs that relate to Facilities Services

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: Four years of combined work experience/education within the Turfgrass industry
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of how to operate a reel-cut mower
- Knowledge of how to operate small hand-held landscaping equipment
- Knowledge of turf needs and requirements throughout the year
- Knowledge of how to calibrate and clean/sterilize a large spray unit
- Knowledge of chemicals commonly used within the Turfgrass industry
- Knowledge of how to apply chemicals safely
- Must have good communication, listening, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education:
- Associate's Degree in Turf Grass management
- Tennessee Pesticide Application Certification (must obtain within 6 months of hire)
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of how to adjust a reel-cut mower.
- Knowledge of how to operate a tractor with various attachments.

Work Location

University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN Campus
This is an onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR05
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

About the Department

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

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