We are seeking a skilled and motivated Turfgrass Management Specialist to join our progressive, privately owned, family-oriented sod farm operation. We take great pride in providing customers throughout the Northeast with top quality turfgrass sod and related products, backed by exemplary customer service from a professional, knowledgeable and engaged team.
This
full-time position will play a key role in the production, maintenance, and
quality control of high-quality turfgrass sod and field crops, with a primary
focus on scouting, crop protectant and fertilizer applications, and irrigation
management. The ideal candidate will have hands-on turfgrass experience, strong
agronomic knowledge, a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work
independently, as well as part of a team.
I.
Working
Relationships:
II.
Key
Responsibilities, include but not limited to:
· Crop Protectant application and management-
maintain current product inventory; apply all products in compliance with state
and federal regulations; maintain current and complete inventory, application and
crop health records; communicate all applications to all team members and
notify of REIs
· Bentgrass
production- oversee day-to-day activities including
establishment, scouting, fertility, crop protectant application, mowing, pest
management, and harvest preparation
· Irrigation- manage and monitor turfgrass production irrigation systems, including scheduling, troubleshooting, record keeping and seasonal adjustments of all systems (center pivots, hard hose travelers, solid set pipes); be able to prime and run diesel pumps; run irrigation control Apps; maintain domestic irrigations systems in landscapes, including winterization.
· Field Scouting
-regularly inspect fields for disease, insects, weeds, drought stress, and other
related issues. Communicate conditions with farm manager and develop a
treatment plan to maintain healthy turfgrass and crops
· Mechanics – maintain reel mowers for quality
cut; overhaul and grind reels and bed knives; operate and assist with
maintenance of additional farm equipment as needed
· Support seasonal workload demands as needed -including, but not limited to, sod and crops harvesting, field tillage, mowing.
III.
Working
Conditions
Outdoor work in all weather conditions (dirty, windy, wet, hot, dry, cool or just perfect). Additional hours may be necessary during seasonally busy periods. Heavy lifting and physical exertion will be necessary.
IV.
Required
Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge and
experience in turfgrass production and management
- Understanding of irrigation
principles and turfgrass water management
- Experience applying crop
protectants
- Ability to use technology,
computers, software, Apps, etc. to perform job duties (Microsoft 365,
Excel, Google Forms, etc.)
- Ability to work outdoors in
varied weather conditions
- Current, valid Certified
Pesticide Applicator license (New York State or ability to
obtain/transfer)
- Current, valid, driver’s license
- Strong attention to detail,
positive attitude and commitment to safety and quality.
V.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating farm and
turf equipment, including:
- Tractors
- Forklifts
- Mowers
- Experience with bentgrass or
fine turfgrasses
- Agricultural crop production
experience
- Previous sod farm, golf
course, or sports turf experience
- Mechanical aptitude and basic
equipment maintenance skills
- CDL driver’s license (Class A
or B)
- Spanish fluency
VII.
Performance
Factors
Attendance,
punctuality and positive attitude; quality of crops throughout the year;
timeliness of performing key responsibilities; ability to work as a team.
Job Title: TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Supervisor: Farm Manager
Term of Employment: Full time, year-round position. On site – expected to work fully at farm and field locations
Salary/Benefits $62,500 - $68,000; Benefits eligible
Work Hours: Average 10 hrs. daily, with seasonal variation; start time will vary from 6-7 am seasonally
Average Hrs./Wk.: Generally average 55 hrs./week during season (Monday – Saturday); 40 hrs./week during winter months (Monday – Thursday )
To Apply: hr@saratogasod.com
SARATOGA SOD FARM
1670 Rt.
4
Stillwater, NY 12170
(518) 664-5038
