GROUNDS NURSERY II - LEAD ATHLETICS @ UNC 5/2026

The University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado, population over 100,000, an hour's drive north of Denver, and within driving distance of the Rocky Mountains. UNC has an enrollment of over 12,000 students who attend classes on the 250-acre campus, and is large enough to provide true University opportunities, and small enough to treat students and employees as individuals. State classified employee benefits include medical, dental, life, flexible spending, PERA retirement, and tuition waiver for employees.
* * * THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS. * * *

ALL RELATED JOB EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS ANDNO INFERENCES
WILL BE MADE. PLEASE BEDETAILED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

Job Summary:

Plans, coordinates, and performs in a designated work zone. Primary duties include the maintenance and care of all outdoor sports fields and facilities including three synthetic fields, track and field facilities, practice fields, soccer, softball, baseball fields and the respective perimeter landscapes of these facilities. Performs duties to establish and maintain the formal, natural, and desirable landscape features including but are not limited to lawns, gardens, trees, irrigation systems, sports fields, stadiums, and other outdoor areas belonging to the University and under the general expectations and established procedures identified by the grounds manager. Position performs game preparation activities and coordination with team members and other University departments. As work lead, this position will coordinate resources for assigned zone gardeners and assist manager with planning, resource identification and quality control.

Job Responsibilities:

Performs and directs all activities associated with sports field maintenance and athletic event preparation. Activities include but are not limited to: field marking and painting, mowing, infield grading, irrigation repair operation andschedulingpesticide,andfertilizerapplications;schedulingaerificationandtopdressing, installing base anchors, edging outfields, trash removal, bleacher staging and event prep. Line marking must be in accordance with all NCAA and relevant sport regulation guidelines. Performs as the primary point of contact for athletic events working with manager to identify unmet staffing needs and working sporting events on a solo basis or in tandem with other staff members. Weekend sporting event support is required.

Monitors turf health and determine mowing schedules for athletic fields and grounds. Assists grounds manager in coordination of operations for area zone gardeners and seasonal staff. Performs work with PTO driven, front mounted mowers, push mowers, riding mowers, small tractors, zero turn mowers, edgers and string trimmers as needed. In collaboration with licensed spray technician identifies need and performs application of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Monitors fields for aerification and top dressing, performs and coordinates work. Performs all synthetic turf care activities, which include sweeping and grooming, amending fibers and crumb rubber, monitors rubber crumb layer depths to ensure safe playing conditions. Perform repairs due to damage to seams and fibers according to manufacturer’s specifications. Coordinates application of antibiotic sprays as needed. Coordinates synthetic field snow removal while ensuring practices do not harm field and are performed in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.

Coordinates activities with athletic schedules and notifies appropriate staff members.Frequent interaction with coaches and athletic staff as it relates to field condition and maintenance.

Performs snow removal activities which include but are not limited to hand-shoveling of steps, wheelchair curb cuts, sidewalks; operation of snow broom-mounted mowers, tractors; truck-mounted plows and sand spreaders. Also applies chemical Ice-melt products with rear-mount applicators or by hand as needed to control Ice. Employees are subject to emergency callback. Assists grounds manager in coordination of snow removal operations for area zone gardeners and seasonal staff as work lead.

Monitor watering needs, perform coverage tests and assist irrigation technician with programming/scheduling of irrigation controllers. Monitors performance and effectiveness of irrigation in areas of assigned zone gardeners and reports problems to responsible individuals, Irrigation Tech or Manager. Troubleshoots and repairs broken heads, lateral lines, and drip systems. Assists irrigation technician with mainline repairs, system installs and renovations. Performs repairs or renovations as needed in assigned zone and utilizes necessary equipment to perform repairs (backhoes, loaders, trenchers, etc.). Monitors event schedules for conflicts with irrigation schedules. Assists with systems winterization at needed.

Operates backhoes, skid steer loaders, fork trucks, 1-ton trucks, compressors, various tractors, with backhoe or bucket-loaders and other PTO attachments (applicators/spreaders, seeders, rototillers, aerifiers, etc.) Also required to operate snow equipment: Broom-mounted tractors or mowers; truck-mounted plows with sand spreaders. Tree removal & pruning (chainsaw operation), including operation of aerial lift truck, and Vermeer Chipper. Operates various landscaping/turf equipment including Various Tractor front mount mowers. Operates field-marking paint sprayers. Responsible for preventative maintenance (fluid checks, fueling, lubrication, etc.). Must comply with all state and university traffic/parking regulations. Operates various gardening hand tools, power string trimmers, blowers, edgers, and rototillers. Also required to fill out repair tags when equipment is unsafe or inoperable. Employees must possess a valid driver’s license. Must also comply with Federal/CDOT Motor Carrier Regulations.

Leads and coordinates assigned zone gardeners. Assists manager with planning resources allocation and quality control.

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

D8E1XXGROUNDS AND NURSERY I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

One (1) yearof relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Preferred Qualifications:
2-5 years turf and field management experience
CSFM, turf management, sports field management or related qualification/education
Strong leadership in maintaining accountability and productivity
Ability to collaborate with coaches, athletic staff, and students
Strong decision-making skills in fast paced environment

Appeal Rights: (Updated)

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email atdpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.uswithin ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.Important note:Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a Human Resource professional to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job announcement. Clearly document in the "Work Experience" and "Education" sections on your application any and all specialized work experience, skills, education, and accomplishments that relate to the position duties and minimum qualifications. No inferences will be made regarding your education or experience, only what is stated and provided in your application materials will be used to evaluate your qualifications. We will offer a salary that is commensurate with the experience of the selected candidate.

Conditions for Employment:All potential University of Northern Colorado employees may be subject to successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record review, physical, and/or a drug test.

Required Notice:In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern ColoradoAnnual Campus Security and Fire Safety Reportis available online and a paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

DPA/DHR Notice:The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The University of Northern Colorado is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Office, Cindy Tomlinson, at cindy.tomlinson@unco.edu or call 970-351-2829.