ATHLETIC FIELD CARETAKER

CLASS DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities:

This is specialized manual and semi-skilled work involving the care and maintenance of major athletic complexes such as Breese Stevens field and/or large athletic fields. Under the general supervision of a Public Works Foreperson, the work is performed in accordance with division policy and procedures and is subject to periodic inspection

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform the care and maintenance of athletic complexes and fields (e.g., ball diamonds, soccer fields, volleyball courts, tennis courts, football fields, and other miscellaneous facilities). Mow and/or grade fields, mark landscaped areas for athletic events, repair turf (e.g., seeding, sodding, top dressing, etc.), fertilize and apply weed control chemicals, airify and perform other related maintenance activities.

Perform specialized athletic facility maintenance such as: irrigation system operation and minor repairs; bleacher cleaning and minor repairs; maintenance painting of railings, lockers, doors, signs, carts, etc.; set-up, repair and maintenance of fences, nets, goals, backstops, etc.; checking and setting up public address system and scoreboard; and clean up of bleacher areas, locker rooms, public restrooms, concession areas, press box, etc. after events. Measure and layout athletic fields, operate field lighting and open and close doors and gates.

Maintain infields by grading; mixing soil; filling low spots; installing base anchors, home plate and pitching rubber; and oiling and watering infields.

Maintain specialized equipment such as: line marking and painting carts, athletic field paint mixing tools, airifiers, sod cutters, diamond drags, seeding equipment, fertilizer spreaders and sprayers.

Enforce field rules and regulations and oversee and/or perform field repairs or maintenance during events. Contact coaches, athletic directors or other responsible parties prior to and during events relative to special needs or field conditions. Direct other Park employees and volunteers before, during and after events in field maintenance, clean-up and other maintenance and event reporting activities.

Perform other general maintenance assignments such as outdoor ice rink set-up and maintenance; winter maintenance of sidewalks and drives adjacent to park lands; and grounds maintenance of parks, boulevards and greenways.

Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable working knowledge of the design, layout, markings and specialized maintenance procedures relating to the preparation of various types of athletic fields. Considerable working knowledge of the tools, equipment and practices used in maintaining athletic fields and complexes. Knowledge of the general principles and procedures associated with turf management, landscape grading and athletic field construction. Knowledge of the electronic and mechanical equipment and systems associated with athletic complexes. Ability to perform semi-skilled mechanical, electronic, heating and plumbing repairs. Ability to operate and make minor repairs to irrigation system equipment. Ability to prepare athletic fields for use and to make special preparations relative to major events. Ability to control conditions affecting athletic participants and spectators during major events and to take corrective action as necessary. Ability to deal courteously with the public. Ability to understand, carry out and give oral and written directions. Ability to direct the work of others. Ability to establish effective working and public relationships. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to lift, carry and/or pull heavy objects, such as field tarps and equipment for hand rolling the fields.

Training and Experience:

Three years of responsible experience performing maintenance activities associated with landscaped areas such as athletic fields and physical structures and equipment used for athletic events. Such experience would normally be acquired after completion of high school or equivalent. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License. Possession of, or ability to obtain a Wisconsin State Pesticide Certification within the first six weeks of employment and to maintain certification.