Job Summary:
The University Ridge Golf Course, operated by the Wisconsin Athletics Department, is seeking two Groundskeepers to support high-quality golf course maintenance and operations. One position will serve as the Irrigation Technician and the other as the Spray Technician.
The Irrigation Technician's primary responsibility is the monitoring, maintenance, and repair of the golf course irrigation system and its components, including sprinkler heads, valves, piping, field controllers, fertigation pumps, pump station, and related computer systems. This position ensures all irrigation components remain operational and perform at peak efficiency. Duties include adjusting sprinkler heads, troubleshooting leaks and electrical issues, implementing preventative maintenance programs, tracking water use, and maintaining parts inventory. This role also communicates regularly with supervisory staff to prioritize irrigation needs based on course goals and conditions.
The Spray Technician oversees and implements chemical and fertilizer application programs across the course. This position's primary responsibility is applying chemicals and fertilizers on property. Duties include monitoring and scouting for diseases and turf issues, ensuring proper record keeping of all applications, inventory control of all fertilizers and chemicals, and appropriate maintenance of application equipment. This role also communicates regularly with supervisory staff to schedule applications based on course goals and conditions.
Both positions will also contribute to general course maintenance, including tasks such as course setup, seeding, aerification, tournament preparation, mowing, sodding, and watering. Both positions will also be required to participate in water management on fine turf areas, leading turf improvement projects, maintaining material inventories, and managing and training of student and seasonal staff. Regular communication with supervisory staff is expected to align maintenance activities with course objectives. Required off season duties include snow removal and equipment maintenance.
Responsibilities:
Directs and coordinates activities of workers engaged in landscaping, gardening, grounds keeping, and tree pruning activities to ensure completion of grounds work assignments. May assist in planning and implementing landscaping projects.
- 15% Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of various lawn and landscape projects and staff
- 10% Schedules and monitors staff and assists with basic training
- 10% Assists with organizing the layout of planting sites, plant and material selection, research and evaluate new materials and equipment
- 25% Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
- 15% Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
- 5% Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
- 10% Performs routine and non-routine golf course maintenance tasks such as mowing, watering, sodding, seeding, course setup, aerification and tournament preparation as needed.
- 10% Performs maintenance and repair tasks on golf course equipment.
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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Required
H.S. Diploma
Or three (3) years of golf course maintenance experience.
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Or Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
Qualifications:
Three (3) years of golf course maintenance experience, with knowledge of basic golf course maintenance operations and techniques. Ability and skill to perform general golf course tasks and operate golf course maintenance equipment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic keyboarding and computer skills; experience with sprayer operation, hand watering, and irrigation repair; and a strong knowledge of and passion for the turfgrass business and the game of golf.
Irrigation Technician:
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in irrigation system maintenance and repair
- Familiarity with use of moisture meter and hand-watering techniques.
- Knowledge of repair, preventative maintenance, system design, electronic components, and central controls for automated irrigation systems (pipes, valves, sprinklers, field controllers, etc.)
- Ability to program and operate central control computers and field controllers.
Spray Technician:
- Ability to obtain a Wisconsin Category 3.0 pesticide certification within 30 days of appointment
- Experience in operating and calibrating sprayers and spreaders, including GPS systems.
- Familiarity with turf chemicals and application techniques.
- Knowledge of adjustment, trouble shooting, repair, and maintenance of sprayers and their components.
License/Certification:
Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
Work Schedule:
This position is a full-time 40 hours a week and it requires the incumbent to work a flexible schedule including numerous evenings, weekends and overtime, primarily during the golf season.
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $21.50 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as:
- Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off;
- Competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits;
- Badger gear & season tickets for Badger football, men's basketball and men's hockey, and/or the varsity sports pass.
More Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.
Additional Information:
Conditions of Appointment: This is a 100% University Staff or Limited appointment. Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
How to Apply:
To ensure full consideration, please submit your completed application no later than 11:55 p.m. CST on the Apply By date. Your application should include:
1. A cover letter detailing how your qualifications and experiences align with the responsibilities of the position.
2. A comprehensive resume.
Please note that reference checks will be conducted for finalists. Applicants selected to proceed in the selection process will be notified directly. All applicants will receive notification once a final selection has been made and the search is complete.
Contact:
Tianwei Miller
tm6@athletics.wisc.edu
608-265-4138
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Groundskeeper Lead(FP027)
Department(s):
A42-INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS/GENERAL OPERATNS/GOLF MNT
Employment Class:
University Staff-Ongoing
Job Number:
314128-CP
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings,
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request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the
Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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