EXPERIENCE and knowledge
Sports Field Management - 19 years
Sport Turf Research - 6 years Degree - Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, WA Professional affiliations
Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA)
Pacific Northwest Sports Turf Managers Association (PNWSTMA) Western Washington Chapter Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (WWGCSA)
Author
Articles – PNWSTMA trade magazines:
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Matt Johns
I go to work daily with renewed energy about the product I produce. My work in turf, is my passion.
In my youth, our sports fields were sandlots–large, green, slightly-maintained spaces and schools. We didn’t think about injuries related to playing on fields with uneven grades, holes, rocks and dead grass from lack of irrigation Today, I coach a select girls youth soccer team. I'm motivated to provide them with a superior turf, unlike what I had as a child.
I launched my sports turf management career while working for the North Thurston School District. I've worked as a foreman for a landscape company and the plant maintenance supervisor for a nursery. I've refined the knowledge I have today while working for the Lacey Regional Athletic Complex (RAC), for the City of Lacey, Washington. I love my work and confidant about the services I offer. I'd enjoy the opportunity of chatting with you to discover how I might best be of service. |
History
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2009 – Present
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Service – Senior Maintenance Technician, Regional Athletic Complex (RAC)
The first phase of the RAC was constructed in 2004. Four natural grass soccer fields were constructed. Thurston County maintained it until 2009 when the second phase was completed. Two additional natural grass soccer fields, one synthetic soccer, four synthetic infields/natural grass outfields and a regulation baseball with synthetic infield/natural grass outfield. I was hired for my particular knowledge and experience in developing the new facility, incorporating the appropriate maintenance practices, maintaining the annual budget and creating the best sport complex in the state. Integrated maintenance practices based on science, visual observations, experience, research acquired from my six years with Washington State University Research and Extension in Puyallup, WA, and my passion to provide the safest surface for the player. Developed trustworthy maintenance knowledge of synthetic surfaces keeping them safe and playable. Hosted tours at the RAC for Washington State University Extension, other municipal personal, PNWSTMA workshops, and many other interested visitors impressed with the care and maintenance. Maintained sports fields for 52 weekend tournaments and 64 acre park for community events per year. |
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2000 – Present
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Speaker – Grounds-related topics for WAMOA at the Annual Meeting and Region 4 Mini-Conferences
Author – Turfgrass Maintenance Articles for Pacific Northwest Sports Turf Manager Association (PNWSTMA) publications Presenter – Washington Turf and Landscape Show (WTLS) on research done while working with Washington State University Research and Extension Puyallup, WA Presentation – “Shade and Wear Effects on Alternative Grasses for Sports Field Mixes”, 2005 International Turfgrass Conference (ITS), Wales – Article submitted and accepted as a digital form at Michigan State University (MSU) Libraries Coached – Recreational soccer team for five years as a volunteer, coaching a select team and for Nisqually Middle School, Lacey ,WA. Member - Western Washington Golf Course Superintendent Association (WWGCSA) Volunteer – 2010 US Amateur Championship, Chambers Bay Golf Course |
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1989 – 1999
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Work Experience – North Thurston School District (NTSD), my introduction and major learning catalysts for sports field management
Member – Washington Association of Maintenance and Operation Administrator (WAMOA). Board of Directors – WAMOA, board member for 8 years, served as President from1997-1998 Outstanding Service – Employee of the NTSD for 1998 Grant – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1995 – for Integrated Pest Management in Schools Program workshops throughout Washington. The grant totaled $25,000. Produced a manual that still is utilized today. Spoke at numerous WAMOA workshops on Integrated Pest Management in schools, grounds and turfgrass maintenance. Board Member – Chinqually Booters Recreational Soccer Club, North Thurston County – Introduced as a new volunteer board member, still serving as a board member, served as president for 6 consecutive years, late 1990’s to early 2000’s, plus 4 more years in 2000. Member – Sports Turf Manager Association (STMA) |
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1980 – 1989
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Volunteer – Washington Certified Nurseryman (WCN), Annual Landscape and Garden Show, Seattle Convention Center, 6 consecutive years
Licenses – Washington State Pesticide Licenses, 1982–present – requires continuing education course credits |
