Grounds Assistant

Grounds Assistant

Charleston Southern University

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.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of experience in grounds maintenance, preferably with focus on athletic turf or sports fields.
• Working knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation systems, mowing techniques, and infield grooming.
• Ability to operate and maintain various groundskeeping equipment.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license (or ability to obtain) with a clean driving record.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to support athletic events and game schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality results.

Preferred

• Certification or coursework in turf management, horticulture, or sports field management (e.g., STMA or GCSAA programs).
• Prior experience in a collegiate or professional athletic facilities setting.
• Familiarity with athletic field-specific practices for soccer, baseball, and softball.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Christian mission and values of Charleston Southern University.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and perform strenuous physical labor outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain).
• Frequent bending, kneeling, walking, standing, and operating equipment for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in direct sunlight and handle exposure to dust, pollen, and chemicals.

Essential Job Functions

Certain jobs at Charleston Southern University may require specific physical and/or mental abilities and the hiring manager will provide additional information and provision of requests for reasonable accommodation if needed. Regular, on-time attendance is an essential job function of this position.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CSU application, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. In the cover letter, applicants should address their experience and how their personal faith aligns with the mission of Charleston Southern University. Charleston Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community that reflects our values and mission.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including but not limited to lactation), religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the university is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and university-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the university may legally discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The university has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University's religious tenets and core values.