Property Grounds & Landscape Specialist (Arborist/Turf)

Description

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Property Grounds & Landscape Specialist (Arborist / Turf) is responsible for the maintenance, safety, and overall presentation of all outdoor spaces across both Bob Sierra facilities (Northdale and Ragg Road).

This role oversees athletic fields, landscaping, vegetation management, irrigation systems, playgrounds, and outdoor equipment, ensuring all areas are safe, functional, and well-maintained. The Specialist is also responsible for identifying and addressing potential hazards and proactively improving site conditions.

Key responsibilities include turf and field maintenance (including lining and preparation), mowing, planting, fertilization and weed control programs, irrigation oversight, and general property upkeep such as debris removal and storm recovery.

The role also provides leadership to staff and volunteers, while maintaining strong collaboration with facility teams to support overall property standards and member experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facility Administration

• Maintain all grounds and outdoor spaces to a high standard of safety, functionality, and appearance, including:
  • Mowing, edging, trimming trees and hedges, and maintaining landscaped areas
  • Turf and athletic field maintenance (field preparation, lining, soil conditioning, mulching)
  • Irrigation system maintenance, including pump upkeep, sprinkler head replacement, and minor pipe repairs.
  • Application and coordination of fertilization, pesticide, and herbicide programs
  • Operate and perform routine preventive maintenance on grounds equipment, including tractors, mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers.
  • Preparing outdoor areas for weather conditions, including storm readiness and recovery.
  • Maintaining sport fields, soil conditioning, mulching and applying pesticides and herbicides.
  • Coordinate specialty vendors for landscaping services, including fertilization and chemical applications, ensuring quality and compliance.
  • Perform general exterior upkeep, including minor repairs, painting, and overall site cleanliness.
  • Order and manage supplies and equipment, including parts, irrigation materials, and landscaping needs.
  • Use of various equipment including tractors, mowers, chainsaws and trimmers.
• Respond to maintenance requests and emergency work orders in a timely manner, in line with service level expectations.
• Ensure all work is completed within budget, obtaining pre-approval when required.
• Maintain and care for all company-owned tools, equipment, and assigned facilities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong communication with leadership and on-site teams.
• Support on-site technicians with basic facility maintenance tasks as needed, while maintaining primary focus on grounds, landscaping, and turf responsibilities.

Safety and Risk Management

• Adhere to all Federal, State, and local safety regulations, as well as all YMCA policies and procedures related to the safety, health, and welfare of members, participants, guests, and staff.
• Adhere to all training requirements and ensure implementation in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures.
• Responsible for the security of all company owned tools, equipment, vehicles, building, inventory, and security of the buildings.
• Maintain proper records, including certifications, meetings and trainings.
• Maintain an emphasis on safety in all areas of responsibility as they relate to members and staff.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities such as ensuring unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
• Contribute to creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and respectful environment for members, guests, and staff.
• Promptly report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior, as well as policy violations, following established association procedures.
• Provides technical guidance and support to ensure team members can effectively perform their duties.

Team Leadership

• May supervise part time seasonal staff.
• Coordinates and oversees volunteers and projects for applicable volunteer events.
• Maintains a collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Provides recommendations for grounds improvement and beautification.

Assists in other areas as assigned by the supervisor.

Actively attends and participates in all meetings, conferences, training events, and workshops, as assigned.

Requirements

Education/ Experience Required:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two to four year college degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of sports field management and maintenance experience, preferred.
• Background in horticulture and landscaping is a plus.
• Experience with the use of pesticides and fertilizer applications.
• License in pesticide application is a plus.
• Must have and maintain, in good standing, a valid driver's license and meet driving record requirements of our automobile insurance company.

Certifications/Trainings Required:

• Must obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED.

• Maintain other required certifications as assigned by supervisor or required by regulatory agencies and/or the Tampa Metro YMCA association.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including, but not limited to:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to: climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand for an extended period of time, climb ladders, walk, shovel, plow, life and or/ move up to 50 pounds, having finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity.
• Requires extended periods of standing and movement throughout the day.
• The role requires walking, standing, or being on your feet for 3-5 hours at a time.
• The work is performed both indoors and out, and may require travel to various locations.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate or high.
• This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to perform all duties and functions of those that are supervised