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Athletic Turf Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABM Industries, Inc.

Sports Turf Manager

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The Sports Turf Manager is responsible for the daily maintenance, preparation, and overall quality of all athletic fields. This role ensures that fields are safe, visually appealing, and game-ready ...

BREC, LA

Sports Turf Foreman

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

Class 3 Turf and Ornamental Pesticide Applicator's License. License(s) Required: Valid LA Class E ... athletic field and maintenance equipment • Comprehensive knowledge of football set-up, layout ...

Pacific Sports Turf, Inc.

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Sports Turf Maintenance Specialist

Hubbard, OR · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... of athletic surfaces. We do most anything critical to sports turf management on natural and ... synthetic surfaces - except mow, paint, or spray chemicals.

Pacific Sports Turf, Inc.

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Sports Turf Maintenance Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... of athletic surfaces. We do most anything critical to sports turf management on natural and ... synthetic surfaces - except mow, paint, or spray chemicals.

Pacific Sports Turf, Inc.

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Sports Turf Maintenance Specialist

Missoula, MT · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... of athletic surfaces. We do most anything critical to sports turf management on natural and ... synthetic surfaces - except mow, paint, or spray chemicals.

Pacific Sports Turf, Inc.

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Sports Turf Maintenance Specialist

Hubbard, OR · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... of athletic surfaces. We do most anything critical to sports turf management on natural and ... synthetic surfaces - except mow, paint, or spray chemicals.

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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 Jul 8, 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
Sports Turf Manager

Sports Turf Manager

ABM Industries, Inc.

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

ABM Industries rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 211 rated facilities management

Job description


The Sports Turf Manager is responsible for the daily maintenance, preparation, and overall quality of all athletic fields. This role ensures that fields are safe, visually appealing, and game-ready for all scheduled practices and events. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong organizational skills, the ability to manage a grounds crew, and a commitment to maintaining high-performance playing surfaces.
Compensation: $21-$23/hour
The pay listed is the salary range for this position. Any specific offer will vary based on the successful applicant's education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, and alignment with market data. You may be eligible to participate in a Company incentive or bonus program
Benefits: ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package. For information about ABM's benefits, visit ABM Team Member Benefits | Staff & Management
Petersburg, VA (Onsite - Virginia State University)
Standard schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Flexibility required for weekends, game days, and seasonal schedule adjustments (including potential 4x10 shifts)
Responsibilities
  • Oversee the maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields, including football, soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse
  • Mow all sports fields at least twice per week, maintaining a consistent height of 2-2.5 inches or lower
  • Maintain clean, defined edges on baseball and softball fields
  • Control field "lips" by regularly brushing to ensure smooth transitions between turf and infield dirt
  • Drag infields and warning tracks at least once per week (or more frequently based on field usage)
  • Prepare game-ready fields by painting lines for practices and events; repaint weekly during active seasons
  • Repair and maintain pitching mounds, batter's boxes, and high-wear areas as needed
  • Apply seed, fertilizer, and treatments according to label instructions and best practices
  • Monitor and manage weed control across all fields
  • Coordinate field preparation with VSU and Dinwiddie County athletic schedules to ensure readiness for all events
  • Perform routine turf maintenance, including upkeep based on field usage cycles (every 40-60 hours of play)
  • Assist with seasonal duties such as snow removal

Qualifications
  • Previous experience in landscaping, groundskeeping, or turf management
  • Proven leadership or supervisory experience (or strong demonstrated leadership potential)
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Availability to work occasional weekends and extended hours based on athletic schedules
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Valid driver's license (MVR required) and ability to pass background screening

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience maintaining athletic or sports turf fields
  • Knowledge of turfgrass maintenance practices, including mowing, fertilization, and field preparation
  • Familiarity with sports field layout and requirements for multiple sports
  • Experience operating landscaping or turf maintenance equipment

About Us
ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the world's largest providers of integrated facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. Every day, our over 100,000 team members deliver essential services that make spaces cleaner, safer, and efficient, enhancing the overall occupant experience.
ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, education, mission critical, and manufacturing and distribution. With over $8 billion in annual revenue and a blue-chip client base, ABM delivers innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that enhance facilities and empower clients to achieve their goals. Committed to creating smarter, more connected spaces, ABM is investing in the future to meet evolving challenges and build a healthier, thriving world. ABM: Driving possibility, together.
ABM is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that does not discriminate on the basis of any trait or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including disability and protected veteran status. ABM is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in completing the employment application, please call 888-328-8606. We will provide you with assistance and make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
ABM participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. E-Verify is an internet-based system used to electronically confirm employment eligibility.
ABM is a military-friendly company proudly employing thousands of men and women who have served in the U.S. military. With ABM, you'll have access to a world-class training program and ample opportunities to use the skills you developed while serving our country. Whether you're looking for a frontline or professional position, you can find post-military career opportunities across ABM.
ABM directs all applicants to apply at www.abm.com/careers. ABM does not accept unsolicited resumes or submissions outside of this portal. Applicants should submit their application by clicking Apply Now.
For more information, visit www.abm.com

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