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Athletic Turf Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Turf Manager To maintain immaculate sports fields at Texas A&M San Antonio. Are you ... We know that the difference between feeling like a professional athlete and a high school walk-on ...

Zone Manager, Horticulture

Orlando, FL · On-site

$26.83 - $29.69/hr

Manage and maintain turf areas across all university campuses, with a focus on high-visibility and high-use areas such as Memory Mall, the Reflection Pond, and RWC athletic fields, ensuring high ...

$55 - $75/hr

Sports Turf Manager To maintain immaculate sports fields at Texas A&M San Antonio. Are you ... We know that the difference between feeling like a professional athlete and a high school walk-on ...

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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 Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 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.

Is athletic turf management a good career?

Athletic turf management is a specialized field focused on maintaining sports fields and turf health, requiring knowledge of horticulture, irrigation, and pest control. It offers opportunities in sports facilities, parks, and golf courses, often involving physical work and seasonal schedules. Certification and experience can enhance job prospects in this growing industry.
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:

Infographic showing various Athletic Turf job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,890 per year, or $24 per hour.

Maintenance Worker Leader NL-07

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort Wainwright, AK • On-site

$25.07/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This position is located withSports and Fitness on Fort Wainwright, AK.
Incentives and Bonuses
  • Incentives may be paid.
  • Up to 25% recruitment and/or retention incentive may be paid (service agreement required). Recruitment incentives are applicable to newly hired individuals and rehired individuals (i.e., one being reinstated or re-employed after a break in service of at least 1 year).
Qualifications:Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.
A qualified candidate must possess the following:
  • Ability to operate a Zamboni Ice Resurfacer or other large vehicle up to one ton to accomplish safe starts, stops, backing, and general safe driving operations.
  • Ability to plan and lay out work.
  • Skill and knowledge at installing ice rink.
  • Skill in startup, shut down and daily operation of ice rink compressors.
  • Ability to accurately document system status, which must be recorded on a daily basis year-round, and to interpret the meaning of the readings to enable appropriate operation, care and maintenance of this system.
  • Skill in establishing and marking athletic fields.
  • Skill and ability to use and maintain the appropriate tools of the trade.
  • Knowledgeable in the principles and techniques required to develop and maintain specialized athletic turf and other related athletic field surfaces, particularly in an arctic environment.
  • Must be able to identify system faults/failures and take the corrective measures to ensure safe, efficient operation of the ice rink.
  • Possess knowledge of basic fitness equipment maintenance and repair.
  • Must possess good written and verbal communication skills.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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