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Athletic Turf Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Maintain artificial turf athletic fields * Set up for sport events; includes clean up during and after games * Maintain all asphalt areas such as parking lots and roads * Remove all trash and debris ...

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Maintain artificial turf athletic fields * Set up for sport events; includes clean up during and after games * Maintain all asphalt areas such as parking lots and roads * Remove all trash and debris ...

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

... athletic complexes, parking lots, concrete, hardscapes and peripheral properties owned and ... Fertilization and pesticide applications to turf and ornamental areas. * Set up for sports events ...

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All JobsAthletic Turf JobsAthletic Turf Jobs in Indiana

Athletic Turf information

See Indiana salary details

$10.5K

$47.5K

$73.3K

How much do athletic turf jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic turf in Indiana is $47,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,100.00 and $53,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Athletic Turf jobs in Indiana? For Athletic Turf jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Athletic Turf jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Athletic Turf jobs in Indiana are:
Athletic Turf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athletic Turf job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,473 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Sports Turf Manager (Landscape/Nursery Service Supervisor)

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Oversee the maintenance of Indiana University Athletic fields including: Memorial Stadium Turf, Mellencamp Turf, Football Practice Field Turf, Football Practice Field Grass, Field Hockey Turf, Armstrong Stadium Grass, Bart Kaufman Field Turf, Andy Mohr Field Grass, Men's Soccer Practice Field Grass and Women's Soccer Practice Field Grass, Hayes Track and Field Complex Grass, and the Sam Bell Cross Country Course Grass. Complete appropriate testing and cleaning on the turf fields. Mow and maintain all grass fields. Provide necessary recommendations regarding the treatment of these fields.
Job Summary
  • Completes appropriate testing and cleaning on the turf fields.
  • Mows and maintains all grass fields and playing surfaces.
  • Provides necessary recommendations regarding the treatment of these fields.
  • Provides recommendations on long term field improvements and maintenance projects, and collaborate with Associate Athletic Director ¿ Facilities to plan and prioritize special projects and improvements.
  • Maintains the non-athletic field surfaces in terms of weeding, spraying and maintaining around the athletics campus. Works with Campus Division to adequately cover all the department needs.
  • Plans work schedules. Organizes daily activities of turf maintenance workers and monitors project completion. Approves time sheets and time off requests of turf maintenance personnel.
  • Provides appropriate counseling and discipline if necessary.
  • Provides training to employees on turf maintenance and safety protocols, and equipment maintenance.
  • Responsible for ensuring our natural turf surfaces are free of any disease or pest
  • Performs grounds maintenance work including weeding, seeding, mowing, snow removal and other seasonal tasks.
  • Operates standard grounds keeping equipment, including trucks, tractors, skid-steers, roto-tillers, edgers, pruners, sheers, mowers.
  • Monitors and maintains equipment and supplies inventory. Oversees sourcing and ordering of surface materials and accompanying fertilizers/chemicals.
  • Provides emergency response for grounds related campus emergencies, including weather emergencies. Performs preventative maintenance on turf care equipment such as shovels, rakes, trucks, tractors, roto-tillers.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).
Preferred
  • Bachelor's of Science in Agronomy and Sports Turf
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 3 years of nursery, greenhouse, and/or landscape work
Preferred
  • Experience in leadership.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • Valid driver's license and ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire.
SKILLS
Required
  • Ability to work safely and efficiently.
  • Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
  • Ability to lead, plan, and organize the work of nursery/greenhouse workers.
  • Ability to stay current with Best Management Practices (BMPs) regarding integrated pest management practices.
  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge of plant identification and pest control.
  • Demonstrates nursery/greenhouse grower skills and ability to train nursery personnel on all aspects of greenhouse production.
  • Knowledge of maintaining and planting ornamental trees, flowers, and shrubs.
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings and blueprints and provide estimates.
  • Ability to determine the appropriate tools and equipment needed and use them safely.
  • Ability to operate technology including electronic work orders, emails, and GIS based tree inventory.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions, including heat and freezing temperatures.
  • Ability to build and maintain a team environment between Groundskeeping teams.
  • Knowledge and experience in landscape design.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position as well as the ability to move about the workplace for long durations. It requires effective communication, the ability to operate machinery, tools, and controls. The role requires the ability to ascend/descend ladders/stairs, and to position oneself in low level positions, detect a variety of chemicals and/or gases. The role requires the ability to ascend to rooftops and move in tight spaces to perform and complete inspections. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Mastery
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Engineering, Trades & Facility
Job Family: Groundskeeping
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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