ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME – REMOTE (REMOTE, NC, US, REMOTE)

About This Opportunity

Our talent team is representing a confidential nationwide facility services organization seeking an Athletic Grounds Subject Matter Expert to lead their athletic field management program across the United States. This is a remote position requiring significant travel (approximately 80%) to collegiate and K-12 sports facilities nationwide.

As the national expert for this growing portfolio, you'll set standards for excellence in natural grass and synthetic athletic surfaces, partner with field managers and athletic directors, and drive innovation across major sports programs. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who wants to shape the future of athletic grounds management at scale.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the national authority on athletic grounds management, including natural turf, synthetic surfaces, agronomy, and field safety
• Lead development and continuous improvement of athletic field programs across football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and multi-use facilities
• Provide technical support through on-site visits, remote consultation, renovation planning, and leadership coaching for field managers nationwide
• Train field management teams on best practices for safety, field preparation, turf care, and maintenance techniques
• Conduct comprehensive site assessments and quality audits; deliver actionable improvement plans
• Design site-specific agronomic programs covering maintenance schedules, renovation cycles, field preparation protocols, and recovery strategies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and facility stakeholders to align field performance with athletic schedules and safety requirements
• Support new site launches with planning, training, budgeting, compliance guidance, and maintenance program implementation
• Collaborate with business development teams on proposals, finalist presentations, client retention initiatives, and RFP responses
• Perform GMAX testing and comprehensive field safety evaluations at sites across the country
• Represent the organization as an industry thought leader through conferences, publications, and professional associations
• Develop standardized tools, templates, and resources to elevate field management practices organization-wide
• Review project plans and specifications; provide owner's representative support as needed

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of athletic field management experience in collegiate, professional, large K-12, municipal, or similar high-performance environments; NCAA Division I experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or related field
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) required; Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) preferred
• Demonstrated expertise managing both natural grass and synthetic athletic surfaces across multiple sports
• Deep technical knowledge of athletic field agronomy, turfgrass physiology, soil science, fertility management, irrigation systems, compaction relief, pest and disease management, overseeding, renovation techniques, topdressing, infield skin management, synthetic turf maintenance, and field safety testing protocols
• Project management experience including planning, coordination, budgeting, and execution
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present effectively to executives, athletic directors, coaches, and operations teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms; experience with field assessment, reporting, and project tracking tools
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 80% of the time to client sites nationwide
• Professional presence and industry credibility suitable for representing the organization at the highest levels

How We Work With You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, a recruiter from our team will review your background and conduct an initial screening conversation. If there's a strong match, we'll submit your profile to our client for consideration. Throughout the interview process, we'll provide guidance and support to help you put your best foot forward.

Important: Please apply only through Get A Job.ai. Do not attempt to contact the client organization directly, as this may disqualify your candidacy.

Pay

Pay via Get A Job.ai: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

Equal Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to equal employment opportunity. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.