Jonathan Palmer joined the UCF Athletics Association as a senior groundskeeper in 2016 and has risen through the ranks in the department to director, which he was promoted to in April 2023. He assists on all agronomic practices and upkeep of sports fields and playing surfaces. He also manages all senior groundskeeping staff.
Palmer has previously worked as a member of the grounds crew for the Milwaukee Brewers, University of Missouri Tigers and Louisville Slugger Field. Palmer earned a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a minor in business from the University of Missouri. He is a member of the Sports Turf Managers Association.