Athletic Fields Groundskeeper II The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Athletic Fields Groundskeeper II. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States Division Administration Physical Plant Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Salary Range 13.00 - 13.00 Pay Grade N02 Posting Close Date Open until filled Job Summary Maintains athletic fields, intramural fields, band fields, practice fields and grounds as needed by performing skilled grounds repair and upkeep tasks. This position requires night and weekend work and flexible scheduling due to sporting event schedules and the impact of weather conditions on job duties. This position is considered essential and could require storm duty. Primary Duties and Responsibilities + Participates in the preparation and maintenance of athletic fields and grounds within guidelines and standards set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Sun Belt Conference and the department. + Maintains athletic fields and grounds and prepares fields for events by performing turf-grass management practices including: mowing, painting, edging, laying sod, verti-cutting, aerifying, topdressing, overseeding and infield skin maintenance. + Trims and edges around walks, flower beds, and walls using clippers and edging tools; prunes shrubs and hedges to shape and improve growth; rakes and removes leaves. + Mow lawns and fields using zero-turn mowers, reel mowers, power equipment or tractors equipped with attachments. + Participates in preparing sports fields for scheduled camps, practices and game events. + Follows established safety procedures including proper equipment calibration, PPE requirements and equipment maintenance. + Properly sets irrigation timers, repairs broken pipes, valves, replaces broken heads, and repairs damaged irrigation wires and drainage systems. + Keeps inventory of all irrigation parts, fittings, supplies and tools. + Performs routine weed, insect and disease inspections and treatments for assigned areas. Schedules and safely apply herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to control weed and pest populations. Applies granular and liquid fertilizer to turf and ornamentals. Prepares and mixes chemicals according to specific formulas and regulations. + Safely stores chemicals, supplies, and equipment. Keeps MSDS book up to date and accessible to all staff. Ensure chemical storage, transportation and disposal follows regulations. + Keeps accurate records of all fertilizer and pesticide applications. + Participates in the maintenance of assigned areas and in the daily picking up of limbs, trash and debris. + Participates in the service, maintenance and repair of tractors, mowers, edgers, spray equipment, string trimmers, backpack blowers, and other grounds equipment. + Occasionally supervises crews for game events and special projects. + Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Driver’s License Knowledge, Skills & Abilities + Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. + Ability to write simple correspondence to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. + Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. + Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Preferred Qualifications Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification from the State of Mississippi issued by the Department of Agriculture About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.