ATHLETIC FIELD SPECIALIST
Duke Clinical Research Institute United States, North Carolina, Durham 300 West Morgan Street (Show on map) Jun 18, 2026 Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke. Be You. At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives every team member contributes to our community. As the Athletic Field Specialist, you'll play a vital role in preserving, enhancing, and safeguarding the athletic surfaces that support Duke's studentathletes as they compete, grow, and excel. Your expertise helps create safe, highquality playing environments that reflect the dedication and spirit of Duke Athletics. Minimum Requirements
- Work requires knowledge of turfgrass and soil management normally acquired through an Associate degree program in turfgrass management or two years post-secondary education in turfgrass management or a related field.
- North Carolina pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain within six months of hire is required.
- Certified Sports Field Manager strongly preferred.
- North Carolina driver's license is required.
Experience Work requires a minimum of three or more years of athletic field maintenance experience. Be Bold. Bring your advanced knowledge of turfgrass science, irrigation systems, agricultural safety, and athletic surface standards to an environment that values precision, teamwork, and excellence. Your work ensures that Duke's fields meet the highest NCAA standards while supporting innovative approaches to athletic field care.
What You'll Do:
In this role, you will: Be proficient in the implementation of the maintenance pertaining to: Highly maintained turfgrass and synthetic athletic surfaces, clay/dirt management including moisture control, sprayer and spreader calibrations, pesticide applications, disease and pest identification, mower maintenance, irrigation system repair and scheduling, and current NCAA regulations pertaining to field layouts and management. Perform expert maintenance on highly managed turfgrass, synthetic athletic surfaces, and clay/dirt areas-including moisture control, sprayer and spreader calibration, and proper pesticide application.
Diagnose and resolve turfgrass, pest, and disease issues using your specialized knowledge of sports turf characteristics.
Complete daily field preparation tasks such as grooming, striping, marking, and painting for games, practices, and tournaments.
Utilize mobile spray units for applying fertilizers and pesticides in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Conduct infield clay/dirt management using rakes and drags, ensuring optimal moisture and surface conditions.
Assist with seasonal and major field renovations including grading, sodding, irrigation work, and surface repair.
Carry out aeration, overseeding, vertical mowing, sweeping, grooming, and topdressing.
Install and remove growth covers, tarps, athletic goals, nets, and field equipment in preparation for events.
Support inclement weather operations, including extendedhour responses and snow/ice removal.
Perform routine inspections, identify issues, and execute minor repairs on athletic fields and equipment.
Maintain grounds equipment, ensuring proper fuel, oil, grease, tire pressure, and safety compliance, including reel mower adjustments and cleaning.
Contribute to a safe and highperforming environment for athletes, staff, and visitors.
Complete other related duties that support the overall function and quality of Duke's athletic grounds. Choose Duke. At Duke, your work directly contributes to excellence on and off the field. Join a community where your expertise matters, your ideas are welcomed, and your career can grow alongside a program committed to innovation, sustainability, and athletic success. Ready to Make a Difference? Apply today and help us create championshiplevel athletic environments that inspire athletes, staff, and fans alike.
Anticipated Pay Range:
Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.62. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.
Learn more at:
https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).
