Athletic Lead-Lincoln University

Thompson Hospitality Facilities is seeking an energetic, dependable, and hands-on Athletic Lead to support the daily preparation, maintenance, and operational readiness of athletic facilities at Lincoln University . This role plays a key part in ensuring that fields, courts, gyms, locker rooms, and athletic event spaces are safe, clean, and game-ready for student-athletes, staff, and visitors.

The Athletic Lead serves as both a working team member and on-site leader—supporting athletic events, guiding staff, and ensuring high standards of facility presentation and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead daily athletic facility operations including setup, maintenance, and breakdown of sports venues
• Prepare fields, courts, and indoor athletic spaces for practices, games, and special events
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of locker rooms, bleachers, dugouts, gyms, training rooms, and spectator areas
• Line fields, set up equipment, goals, nets, benches, and event signage as required
• Operate basic grounds and facility equipment such as blowers, pressure washers, utility carts, and maintenance tools
• Assist with athletic event support including game-day operations, crowd setup, and post-event cleanup
• Inspect athletic facilities regularly to identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, or equipment issues
• Supervise and support assigned staff during athletic events and daily facility tasks
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, university policies, and event regulations
• Respond to weather-related issues affecting outdoor athletic surfaces (snow, rain, field conditions)
• Communicate effectively with athletic department staff, coaches, and facility managemen

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred
• 1–3 years of experience in facilities maintenance, athletics operations, grounds, or custodial work preferred
• Previous experience in sports facility or event support strongly preferred
• Ability to operate basic maintenance and grounds equipment safely and effectively
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and motivate team members
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Reliable attendance and flexibility required for athletic schedules, including evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in college or university athletic environments
• Knowledge of field preparation techniques (lining, turf care, surface readiness)
• Strong understanding of event logistics and game-day operations
• Ability to work under pressure during high-attendance athletic events
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and presentation standards
• Ability to prioritize tasks quickly in fast-changing event environments
• Team-oriented mindset with a hands-on leadership style

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods during long shifts and events
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds or more
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach overhead regularly
• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Ability to operate athletic and maintenance equipment safely and repeatedly
• Manual dexterity required for setting up sports equipment, signage, and facility components
• Ability to hear and respond to instructions, crowds, and event-related announcements in loud environments
• Visual ability to inspect fields, courts, and facility conditions for hazards or maintenance needs

Work Environment

• Active collegiate athletic environment at Lincoln University
• Combination of indoor and outdoor work across athletic fields, stadiums, gyms, and recreational facilities
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, loud event environments, and physical activity demands
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and athletic event coverage
• Fast-paced environment with shifting priorities based on practice and game schedules

Who we are:

Lincoln University is a historically Black university located in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 1854, it is one of the oldest HBCUs in the United States and holds a significant historical legacy in providing education to African American students. Lincoln University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing academic excellence, research, and community service.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more.