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Who we are
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Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
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Job Summary
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The Athletic Field Specialist performs the duties of a Groundskeeper Senior, snow removal, equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds, athletic fields and supports all campus wide events. Assist with the campus athletic fields operations and provide turfgrass/artificial turf maintenance guidance. Independently operate loaders and forklift, perform preventative maintenance of irrigation system and apply granular and/or liquid fertilizer to maintain healthy plant growth.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- Associates Degree in sports turfgrass management or related field with 3 years field experience in athletic field maintenance including experience with operating landscape/athletic field maintenance equipment and snow removal equipment
- Valid US driver’s license
- Valid New York State Pesticide Technician’s or Applicator’s License in category 3a. or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
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Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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- Ability to independently operate all landscape, turf maintenance and snow removal equipment
- Understanding of irrigation systems, trouble shooting and ability to make minor repairs
- Ability to properly mix and apply appropriate pesticides, calibrate spreaders and sprayers
- Ability to identify turf grasses and weed species with the understanding of cultural requirements and growth habits
- Understanding of artificial turf maintenance
- Ability to read, write and perform arithmetic functions
- Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
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Job Duties00
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- Perform all tasks necessary for routine seasonal maintenance of campus landscapes/projects in accordance with Rensselaer’s seasonal athletic field maintenance program. Monitor campus grounds for trash/debris and empty/clean external trash areas.
- Perform proper planting and bed maintenance techniques. Prune shrubs and trees according to campus wide practices. Diagnose insect, disease or cultural problems in the athletic playing field surfaces. Maintain healthy turfgrass by planning and implementing activities such as aeration, over seeding, top dressing, fertilization, sod removal, preparation and installation. Ensure safe handling, storage and application of granular and/or liquid fertilizer to maintain healthy plant growth. Provide technical and horticultural assistance/training to staff.
- Inspect, maintain and operate grounds and field related power equipment at proper working and safety standards. Clean equipment daily or at the end of each use. Report and document any needed repairs of equipment.
- Provide support for campus functions and events, including event preparation, setup and breakdown, litter control and site restoration. Support the Grounds and Transportations Specialists with Campus moves. Provide support for the athletic field day to day operations.
- Maintain water requirements for all plant material and turf areas. Utilize manual irrigation when conditions warrant. Perform preventative maintenance of sprinkler system. Troubleshoot problems and make minor repairs. Adjust watering times for changing moisture conditions, events, spring startup and winterization.
- Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus. Operate, maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institute’s standards.
- Comply with standing instructions provided by operating manuals, safety rules and regulations for personal protection and safety and the safety of others. Report instances of vandalism/theft of Institute property immediately to Supervisor or Public Safety. Maintain work and storage areas in a clean, organized and safe condition.
- Operate loaders, forklifts, wood chipper and other related landscape equipment at proper working and safety standards. Load, secure and transport equipment, materials and supplies by truck and trailer using proper safety methods.
- Work with Supervisor and Lead to plan, implement and maintain extensive, year-round athletic field operation. Operating specialized athletic maintenance equipment to ensure safe, playable surface. Document all athletic field maintenance. Ensure athletic field markings and set up are in accordance with applicable rule and specified dimensions. Provide support for campus wide parking lot and campus roadways striping/restriping activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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Shift
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Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required
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Travel
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Local travel between campus locations only |
Driving
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Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use
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Starting Salary/Rate
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Expected hiring range: $24.00 - $26.50
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
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Application instructions
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Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
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Job Posted Date |
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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Total Compensation and Benefits Information
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Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
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Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. RPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
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