Position Title: ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME - REMOTESalary: $90,000 - $100,000
Job SummaryThe
Athletics Grounds Subject Matter Expert leads SSC's nationwide athletic grounds program, setting the standard for excellence across collegiate and K-12 sports facilities. This role partners with sports field managers across the portfolio, builds strong relationships with athletic directors and clients, and supports business growth and retention. As a visible industry leader, the SME represents SSC at the highest levels while driving innovation in natural grass and synthetic surfaces through expertise and influence.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: - Act as SSC's national expert on athletic grounds, including natural and synthetic surfaces, agronomy, safety, and field performance.
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of athletic field programs across all major sports and high-use turf environments.
- Provide hands-on technical support through site visits, remote guidance, renovation planning, and leadership coaching.
- Train and develop field managers and teams on best practices in safety, preparation, turf care, and maintenance techniques.
- Conduct site assessments and QA audits; translate findings into clear, actionable improvement plans.
- Design site-specific agronomic programs covering maintenance, renovation, field prep, and recovery cycles.
- Build strong relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and stakeholders to align field performance with schedules and safety standards.
- Support new site startups with planning, training, budgeting, compliance, and maintenance program setup.
- Partner with the sales teams to support proposals, finalist presentations, client retention, RFP responses, and business development efforts.
- Perform GMAX testing and field safety evaluations nationwide.
- Represent SSC as an industry leader through conferences, publications, and professional associations.
- Develop tools, templates, and resources to standardize and elevate field management practices.
- Review project plans and specifications; support project execution and serve as an owner's representative when needed.
- Step into leadership roles (Unit Director/Operations Manager) as needed and support additional operations priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - 15+ years of athletic field management experience across collegiate, professional, large K-12, municipal, or similar 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 with both natural grass and synthetic athletic surfaces across football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and multi-use fields.
- Deep technical knowledge of athletic field agronomy, turfgrass physiology, soil science, fertility, irrigation, compaction relief, pest and disease management, overseeding, renovation, topdressing, infield skin management, synthetic turf maintenance, and field safety testing.
- Project management experience including planning, coordination, budgeting, and execution.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present to executives, athletic directors, coaches, and operations teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms; familiar with field assessment, reporting, and project tracking tools.
- Valid driver's license, ensuring safe operation of company vehicles in accordance with traffic laws and conditions.
- Remote position requiring 80% travel to client sites
Apply to SSC today!Associates at SSC are offered many fantastic benefits.- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_SSC.pdf
