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Athletic Turf Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt University

Turf Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Sports Turf Specialist work to support the Grounds Department in general and the Athletic Field group specifically. Under the direction of the Sports Turf Manager, this position functions within ...

Mesquite ISD

Groundskeeper - General Turf

Mesquite, TX

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Non-Exempt Reports To: (General Turf - General Turf Supervisor) / (Athletic Turf - Athletic Turf Supervisor) EMPLOYMENT BEGINS: As soon as possible PRIMARY PURPOSE: * To keep the district's grounds ...

University of Arizona

Superintendent, Turf

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$59.40K - $74.25K/yr

Superintendent, Turf Posting Number req25618 Department Facilities Mgmt-Operation Svcs Department ... Athletic fields include the stadium field, football practice fields, soccer field, softball field ...

Lincoln Saltdogs

Turf Management Intern

Lincoln, NE

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Summary Assists the Athletic Turf Manager in the daily maintenance of Hawks Field, Bowlin Stadium, and surrounding landscape. Abides by Company Safety Program and Policies, while performing duties ...

Lincoln Saltdogs

Turf Management Intern

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Summary Assists the Athletic Turf Manager in the daily maintenance of Hawks Field, Bowlin Stadium, and surrounding landscape. Abides by Company Safety Program and Policies, while performing duties ...

AEG

Groundskeeper

Tampa, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Mowing, trimming, weeding, and general maintenance of natural grass and athletic turf * Assist in the preparation and maintenance of both natural grass and artificial turf playing surfaces, including ...

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All JobsAthletic Turf Jobs

Athletic Turf information

See salary details

$11K

$49.9K

$77K

How much do athletic turf jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic turf in the United States is $49,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Athletic Turf Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Athletic Turf Manager, you need expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, and irrigation, typically supported by a degree in turf management or horticulture. Familiarity with equipment such as mowers and aerators, as well as certifications like Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure safe and high-quality playing surfaces. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining athletic fields that meet safety standards and enhance athletic performance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in athletic turf management?

Professionals in athletic turf management often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal grass health under heavy usage, responding quickly to weather-related damage, and managing pest or weed invasions. Balancing the demands of multiple sports schedules while ensuring safe and aesthetically pleasing playing surfaces can be demanding and may require flexible hours. Effective communication and collaboration with coaches, facility managers, and grounds crew are essential to address changing priorities and ensure field readiness, especially during peak sports seasons.

What are athletic turf specialists?

Athletic turf specialists are professionals responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of natural or synthetic grass surfaces used in sports fields and athletic facilities. Their work ensures that playing surfaces are safe, level, and suitable for athletic activities. Duties may include mowing, fertilizing, aerating, irrigating, and marking fields, as well as managing pest control and addressing drainage issues. They often work for schools, sports stadiums, parks, or landscaping companies. Their expertise helps to prolong the life of the turf and enhance the performance of athletes.

What is the difference between Athletic Turf vs Groundskeeper?

AspectAthletic TurfGroundskeeper
CertificationsCertified Athletic Field Manager (CAFM), pesticide licensesLandscape or pesticide licenses, general groundskeeping certifications
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiums, athletic complexesPublic parks, school grounds, commercial landscapes
Job FocusMaintaining sports surfaces for safety and performanceGeneral landscape maintenance and aesthetic upkeep
Employer & IndustrySports teams, universities, athletic facilitiesMunicipalities, schools, private estates

While both Athletic Turf and Groundskeeper roles involve landscape maintenance, Athletic Turf specialists focus specifically on sports surfaces, ensuring safety and optimal performance for athletic activities. Groundskeepers have a broader scope, maintaining various outdoor spaces for appearance and safety. Certifications and work environments differ accordingly, reflecting their specialized or generalist roles.

More about Athletic Turf jobs
What cities are hiring for Athletic Turf jobs? Cities with the most Athletic Turf job openings:
What states have the most Athletic Turf jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletic Turf jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Athletic Turf jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Athletic Turf jobs are:
Athletic Turf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athletic Turf job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,890 per year, or $24 per hour.

Senior Athletic Turf Technician (56789)

City of Wentzville

Wentzville, MO • On-site

$31.46 - $33.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

This position plays a key role in maintaining the natural and synthetic sports turf fields used by athletes and the community across City athletic complexes. This experienced team member performs skilled turf maintenance work while also serving as a working field leader. The role trains and guides crew members, coordinates daily tasks, and helps ensure athletic fields are safe, playable, and looking their best for every game.
Essential Job Duties
Athletic Field & Turf Care
  • Prepare and maintain natural and synthetic athletic fields used for baseball, softball, soccer, football, and other sports.
  • Implement best turf care practices, including mowing, aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, watering, plugging, spraying, thatching, and installing turf by seed or sod.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate soil conditions for healthy turf growth in the local region.
  • Inspect fields daily to evaluate playability, safety, and maintenance needs.
  • Monitor turf for pests, fungi, or disease and apply appropriate treatments in accordance with established procedures.
  • Maintain irrigation systems, including adjusting flow rates, programming controllers, troubleshooting issues, and repairing system components.

Facility & Grounds Maintenance
  • Perform general maintenance of athletic facilities, grounds, and equipment.
  • Install and repair fences, goal posts, batting cage netting, bleachers, benches, and other recreational equipment.
  • Assist with the layout and setup of new or temporary athletic fields.
  • Maintain overall grounds appearance through debris removal, leaf cleanup, and general upkeep.
  • Conduct safety inspections of playgrounds, facilities, and maintenance equipment.

Projects, Records & Coordination
  • Plan and oversee turf-related projects such as sod installation, high-traffic turf repair, mound and batter's box maintenance, and field surface improvements.
  • Maintain synthetic field surfaces, including seams, joints, and infill levels.
  • Track maintenance activities and maintain records, including equipment logs and safety inspections.
  • Work with the Horticulture Manager to establish field maintenance standards and goals.
  • Communicate with athletic supervisors, affiliates, and the public regarding field conditions and park use.

The City of Wentzville is committed to being an employer of choice, offering prosperous and meaningful career opportunities and flexibility. The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, five personal days, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more.
To see the full Job Description, Click Here
This job posting will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applicants are received.
Job Qualifications - Education, experience, and training that are required or desirable in order to effectively perform the job at the time of hire. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Additional requirements and/or substitutions may be requested and require the approval of HR.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in sports turf care, landscaping, or irrigation maintenance required
    • Two years of experience in a leadership role preferred.
  • Job-relevant certification/license, vocational/technical program completion, or completion of an apprenticeship is required.
    • College-level coursework that includes business, sport turf management, or a related field is preferred.
      • Additional job-related advanced degrees or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
  • Journey-level experience in sport turf, golf course, landscaping maintenance or related trade required.
  • Experience in interpreting and working from landscaping blueprints and/or specifications required.
  • Certifications preferred, or ability to obtain within 180 days of employment required:
    • Missouri Department of Agriculture Applicators license with category 3 Ornamental and Turf Certification
    • Valid Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a First-Aid/CPR certification within one year of hire date.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Certified Sports Turf Manager Certificate desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with this position.
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of natural and synthetic sports turf surfaces.
  • Thorough knowledge of most current industry's irrigation system brands (Toro, Rain Bird, Hunter), including operation, programming, design, maintenance, and seasonal adjustments.
  • General knowledge of safety procedures and precautions associated with outdoor green industry services and in establishing safe working zones with respect to traffic control.
  • General knowledge of preventive maintenance associated with small equipment maintenance.
  • General knowledge of personal computers, including word processing software, performing internet searches, and downloading, importing and e-mailing photos and other documents.
  • Ability to inspect plant materials and properly diagnose disease and pest infestations, and recommend appropriate programs of treatment.
  • Ability to safely and efficiently operate motorized equipment such as push and riding mowers, utility vehicles, golf carts, tractors, skid loaders, mechanical trenchers, backpack blowers and sprayers, etc.
  • Ability to judge distances accurately and to read and interpret maps, manuals, and schematics is required.
  • Ability to prepare and track maintenance and inspection plans.
  • Ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers by telephone, in writing, and in person.
  • Ability to use good judgment and think rationally in difficult or stressful situations.
  • Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work, as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize routine and robust tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently under moderate supervision and make responsible decisions.
  • Ability to work under established processes and solve problems within defined parameters.
  • Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles used to transport materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential job duty. Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary.

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