Grounds Assistant
Grounds Assistant
Charleston Southern University
Summary
Charleston Southern University is seeking a reliable and skilled Grounds Assistant to support the upkeep and preparation of its NCAA Division I athletic fields and surrounding campus grounds. This role focuses on the maintenance of athletic turf areas, including natural grass fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and other athletic venues, while also contributing to general campus grounds care.
The Grounds Assistant applies knowledge of turf management, irrigation systems, mowing practices, and infield maintenance to ensure safe, high-quality playing surfaces and an attractive campus environment in alignment with the university’s Christ-centered mission.
Work Performed
Athletic Field Maintenance
• Perform daily and seasonal turf maintenance on athletic fields, including mowing, edging, aeration, fertilization, weed control, and pest management.
• Maintain irrigation systems: inspect, repair, program, and troubleshoot sprinkler heads, valves, controllers, and lines to ensure proper water distribution.
• Handle infield maintenance for baseball and softball fields: drag and groom infields, maintain baselines, pitcher’s mounds, home plate areas, and warning tracks.
• Prepare fields for practices, games, and tournaments, including lining, marking, and setting up nets or equipment as needed.
• Monitor field conditions for safety and playability, reporting issues promptly to the Athletic Field Supervisor.
General Campus Grounds Support
• Assist with landscaping of campus including lawns, walkways, and landscaped beds.
• Perform litter pickup, pressure washing, irrigation maintenance, and other routine groundskeeping tasks across the university campus.
Equipment & Safety
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment safely, including mowers, tractors, aerators, topdressers, string trimmers, blowers, and irrigation tools.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and cleaning on assigned equipment.
• Follow all safety protocols, OSHA guidelines, and university policies; wear appropriate PPE and maintain a clean, organized work area.
Team Collaboration
• Work closely with the Athletic Field Supervisor and other grounds/maintenance staff to prioritize tasks and meet athletic schedules.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
• Provide excellent customer service and represent the university professionally when interacting with coaches, student-athletes, staff, and visitors.