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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

$59K - $74K/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 ...

City of Goldsboro, NC

Park Technician (Turf)

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$36K - $58K/yr

Inspects athletic turf daily identifying conditions requiring mowing, watering, treatment of insect/fungus/diseases, damage from player use, etc. and initiates appropriate action to address any turf ...

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Athletic Turf information

See salary details

$11K

$49.9K

$77K

How much do athletic turf jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,890 per year, or $24 per hour.
Turf Specialist

Turf Specialist

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
The Sports Turf Specialist is part of the Facilities Grounds team in the Maintenance and Operations Department at Vanderbilt University. 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 the day-to-day operation of the Sports Turf maintenance crew in activities generally associated with athletic turf care/maintenance which include but are not limited to; mowing, preparation of game/practice surfaces to comply with NCAA regulations and individual head coach preferences, string trimming, edging, hardscape maintenance, turf blowing and/or vacuuming, general clean up and litter removal, irrigation/drainage repairs and installation, pruning and weeding of landscape, oversight of repair/replacement of turfgrass including sodding, topdressing, verti-cutting, aerification, and seeding. Perform daily visual inspections of all assigned areas. Assist in field and facility preparation for all NCAA sporting events and facility events. Communicate with the Sports Field Manager, Athletic Department Facilities staff, and operations staff to ensure that all daily requirements are met. Maintains professional education and development through local and national organizations.
About the Work Unit:
Facilities Department provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. The Facilities department is comprised of Campus Planning & Construction, Maintenance and Operations, the Business Operations Center and Real Estate.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Complete the directives and instructions of the Sports Field Manager to provide care and maintenance to the natural and artificial athletic competition surfaces
  • Ability and knowledge of sport field specific practices such as soil compaction management and turfgrass recovery in the transition zone
  • Ability to recognize and report common weeds, turf disease, soil fertility and other issues which might occur in athletic turf
  • Ability and knowledge required to competently operate machinery used in athletic field turf care, including but not limited to reel mowers, rotary mowers, string trimmers, blowers, push mowers, backpack blowers, fertilizer spreaders, spray equipment and hand tools
  • Ability and knowledge to complete minor irrigation repairs such as replacing, reorienting or re-nozzeling rotary sprinkler heads
  • Provide game day support for athletic matches and competitions
  • Provide facility support for events held on fields including but not limited to concerts, commencement and special events scheduled through the athletic department
  • Assist with landscape upkeep of areas adjacent to or incorporated within stadiums and practice fields
  • Work with a crew of 2-5 individuals on a regular basis
  • Perform tasks necessary to respond to winter weather conditions including outside of normal working hours
  • Operate a walk behind paint machine and/or robotic paint machine
  • Knowledge of NCAA playing surface measurements and regulations as well as general NCAA and SEC rules and regulations
  • Lining and painting of all fields per NCAA regulations
  • Knowledge and ability to properly calibrate spreaders and sprayers
  • Ability and skill to safely spray athletic fields and other turfgrass surfaces
  • Ability to assist the Sports Field Manager in chemical application record keeping and chemical inventory
  • Ability to assist the Sports Field Manager through communication with the site-specific athletic department representative
  • Knowledge and proficient skills in maintenance and repair of synthetic turf
  • Knowledge and proficient skills in sod work on natural Turfgrass fields
  • Analyzes problems and develops alternative solutions
  • Strong organizational skills, planning, and prioritization skills
  • Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Sports Field Manager
Education and Certifications:
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management or a related field.
  • Equivalent experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • Valid Tennessee Drivers License or equivalent from another state.
  • Possess or be able to attain a Tennessee Pesticide Applicators License within 3 months of starting employment
  • Possess membership(s) in local, state and national Sport and Turfgrass professional associations

Experience and Skills:
  • One to three years of Athletic turfgrass experience
  • Knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules and regulations
  • Extensive knowledge of both warm season and cool season turfgrasses in the transition zone
  • Basic communication and computer skills preferred.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift as at least 70 lbs

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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