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Athletic Turf Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University Of Iowa

Athletic Facilities Attendant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Turf) for application of pesticides and be eligible to be certified. May be required to ... Athletic Facilities Attendant * Appointment Type: Merit * Schedule: Full-time * Work Modality ...

University of Iowa

Athletic Facilities Attendant

Iowa City, IA

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Turf) for application of pesticides and be eligible to be certified. May be required to ... Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a ...

University of Iowa

Athletic Facilities Attendant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Turf) for application of pesticides and be eligible to be certified. May be required to ... Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a ...

Iowa State University

Turfgrass Research Scientist

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... athletic field safety, golf course management, sports turf performance, turfgrass adaptation, and sustainable management practices. This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research ...

Iowa State University

Turfgrass Research Scientist

Ames, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... athletic field safety, golf course management, sports turf performance, turfgrass adaptation, and sustainable management practices. This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research ...

Spencer, City of

Park Technician - Seasonal

Spencer, IA

$16.56/hr

... athletic fields Mow, trim, fertilize, spray and water all turf areas in parks and cemeteries Assist with planting and general care of trees, shrubs and annual flowers All other duties as assigned ...

All JobsAthletic Turf JobsAthletic Turf Jobs in Iowa

Athletic Turf information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$46.9K

$72.3K

How much do athletic turf jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic turf in Iowa is $46,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $52,600.00 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?

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 is an athletic turf specialist?

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 Iowa?

For Athletic Turf jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Athletic Turf jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Athletic Turf jobs in Iowa are:

Athletic Turf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athletic Turf job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,860 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Athletic Facilities Attendant

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, directs and aids in the maintenance of indoor/outdoor athletic fields, courses, courts and tracks and setting up for various University events. Performs general maintenance and repair on buildings and equipment.  Provides functional supervision to other grounds department staff members and students.

The shift for this position is typically 7:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Various hours and days based on the needs of the department, which are influenced by programming and events. Hours and days of work may occur between 5:30am and midnight. Some weekends and evenings may be required.

For a detailed job description, please email Rebecca Sweere at rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu.

About the Division of Student Life:

The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreation Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Two years experience as Groundskeeper or equivalent experience attained elsewhere or a combination of at least one year of groundskeeping experience and indoor/outdoor athletic facility maintenance experience to equal two years total or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years.

  • Depending on the specific needs of the university, may be required to have successfully completed commercial certification tests (30T-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides and be eligible to be certified. May be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests as required.

  • Possession of State Driver's or Chauffeur's license and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing AC and DC electrical systems

  • Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs on commercial fitness equipment 

Application Details:

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.  Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions or additional information, please contact rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Athletic Facilities Attendant
  • Appointment Type: Merit
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 8
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 39859.92
Contact Information
  • Organization: Student Life
  • Contact Name: Rebecca Sweere
  • Contact Email: rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu

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