1

Golf Course Turf Management Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bloomingdale Golf Club was once the site of Glendale Golf Course. Opened in 1924, the original ... Job Type: Fullโ€‘Time, Yearโ€‘Round Educational Requirements: 2โ€‘4 year Turf Management ...

New

Seasonal Golf Groundskeeper

Niles, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Job Summary: As a Golf Course Groundskeeper, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the ... Any relevant certifications in landscaping, turf management, or equipment operation would be ...

Seasonal Golf Groundskeeper

Niles, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Job Summary: As a Golf Course Groundskeeper, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the ... Any relevant certifications in landscaping, turf management, or equipment operation would be ...

Golf Course Starter

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.05/hr

We're hiring a Part-Time Golf Course Starter at Edgebrook Golf Course in Chicago, IL! Whether you ... Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager Minimum Qualifications of the Guest ...

Greenskeeper

Riverwoods, IL

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

... golf course's turf and landscapes to ensure optimal playability and aesthetic appeal. This role involves performing a range of tasks related to turf management, including mowing, fertilizing, and ...

Golf Course Starter

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.60/hr

We're hiring a Part-Time Golf Course Starter at Edgebrook Golf Course in Chicago, IL! Whether you ... Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager Minimum Qualifications of the Guest ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Golf Course Turf Management information

See Illinois salary details

$20.8K

$49.7K

$71.7K

How much do golf course turf management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for golf course turf management in Illinois is $49,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $58,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is golf course turf management?

Golf course turf management is the practice of maintaining and caring for the grass and landscape on a golf course to ensure optimal playing conditions and aesthetic appeal. This involves tasks such as mowing, watering, fertilizing, pest control, aeration, and repairing any damage to the turf. Turf managers use specialized equipment and knowledge of agronomy to keep the grass healthy, resilient, and visually appealing while meeting the specific needs of different areas like greens, fairways, and tees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in golf course turf management?

Success in Golf Course Turf Management requires expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, pest control, and typically a degree or certification in turf management or a related field. Familiarity with irrigation systems, fertilizer application equipment, and industry software for maintenance scheduling is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and leadership skills help manage teams and maintain high course standards. These abilities ensure healthy, visually appealing turf while optimizing resources and providing an excellent experience for golfers.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in golf course turf management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in golf course turf management often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and maintaining consistent turf quality across varying playing surfaces. Addressing these issues requires proactive planning, regular monitoring of turf health, and effective communication with grounds crews. Staying updated with the latest turf care technologies and best practices also helps in efficiently managing these challenges while ensuring a high-quality playing experience for golfers.

What is the difference between Golf Course Turf Management vs Landscape Maintenance Worker?

AspectGolf Course Turf ManagementLandscape Maintenance Worker
CertificationsGreen industry certifications, pesticide licensesNone specific, general horticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports turfResidential/commercial landscapes
Job FocusMaintaining turf quality, course playabilityPlant care, lawn maintenance, pruning
Industry UsageGolf industry, sports facilitiesLandscaping, property management

Golf Course Turf Management and Landscape Maintenance Worker share some skills in turf and plant care but differ mainly in their work environments and certifications. Golf course managers focus on maintaining high-quality turf for playability, often requiring specialized licenses, while landscape workers handle broader landscape tasks without specific certifications. Both roles are essential in their respective industries, but their daily tasks and expertise areas vary significantly.

How much do golf course turf managers make?

Golf course turf managers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the course. Advanced certifications and skills in turfgrass management can lead to higher salaries, especially in high-end or private courses.

Is turfgrass management a good career?

Turfgrass management is a viable career for those interested in maintaining golf courses, sports fields, and landscapes, requiring knowledge of horticulture, soil science, and pest control. It offers opportunities for outdoor work, seasonal schedules, and certifications such as the Certified Turfgrass Professional credential. Job stability and advancement depend on experience, skills, and industry demand.

What job categories do people searching Golf Course Turf Management jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Golf Course Turf Management jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Golf Course Turf Management job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,726 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Settler's Hill Golf Course

Batavia, IL โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description:

Landscapes Golf Management and Kane County Forrest Preserve are seeking a dynamic and skilled Golf Course Superintendent to provide expert leadership and management for Settler’s Hill and Hughes Creek golf courses. This role will oversee all aspects of golf course maintenance, turf management and irrigation for both courses.

The present location of the Settler's Hill Golf Course is on the site of the old County Farm and Home. The Home site itself had several buildings, the home, administration building, power plant, maintenance building, corn crib and dairy barn, plus other out-structures such as machine sheds and animal shed, but the only ones that still exist are the power house, maintenance building, corn crib and the dairy barn. The dairy barn was remodeled and is currently used as a club house. The corn crib and the maintenance building are used to store equipment for use on the course.

Hughes Creek captivates golfers in serene beauty, while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop in Kane County, IL.

Learn more at Hughes Creek Golf Course.


Our Values Bring Us Together; Our Expertise Sets Us Apart. We at LGM believe these values are instrumental to our daily operations. LGM Values: Do the Right Thing, Take Care of Each Other, Find a Way, Lead, Be the Best

To learn more about Landscapes Golf Management visit www.landscapesgolf.com .


JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for directing the entire maintenance operation of both golf courses and associated grounds including maintenance equipment, irrigation system, and facility maintenance.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Promotes, works and acts in a manner consistent with the values of LGM.
  2. Supervises the entire operation of the maintenance center and facility complex including the operation of the equipment repair shop. Supervises the ordering of materials and supplies, and records daily maintenance activities.
  3. Hire, train, schedule and develop maintenance personnel including assistant superintendents, equipment technicians, equipment operators and other grounds maintenance staff. Monitors the scheduling of all maintenance operations and directs the work of the staff team members within the department.
  4. Directs and implements the policies and procedures established by the Landscapes Management Company.
  5. Implements and oversees the golf course operations safety program. Develops and monitors all regulatory compliance programs to include Hazardous Communication, GHS Safety Data Sheets, and all other associated rules and regulations.
  6. Develops programs and directs the application of fertilizers and plant protecting pesticides. Monitors the record keeping of the applications and adjusts programs as required. Obtains and upholds pesticide and/or fertilizer license.
  7. Ensures all Human Resources, payroll, administrative and reporting requirements set by the Company are completed timely and accurately.
  8. Gathers, processes and submits completed employee information and time records for payroll processing on time.
  9. Maintains membership in the GCSAA and other professional organizations, both state and local. Attends seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of current industry events and information.
  10. Develops and monitors the annual maintenance operating budget within the appropriate calendar. Monitors budget and takes corrective action to ensure financial goals are met.
  11. Develops the annual capital equipment and projects budgets.
  12. Provides appropriate information and makes recommendations to the General Manager and Management Team about facility maintenance, construction, changes, materials, supplies, services, and equipment not provided for and approved within the business plan and/or budget.
  13. Monitors compliance with departmental purchasing policies and procedures.
  14. Manages all components of the irrigation system—supply, pump station, central and field controllers, piping and valves, and sprinkler heads.
  15. Complies with golf course etiquette rules.
  16. Must be well mannered, display a smile at all times, greet guests, member and fellow employees when encountered, show appreciation to the guests and the members, and demonstrate a willingness to help guests and members at all times.
  17. Possesses and understanding of the importance of safety and sees that safe operation procedures are observed in all daily activities. Administers the LGM Safety Program.
Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  1. Requires thorough working knowledge of the maintenance of golf course tees, fairways, greens; the seeding and maintenance practices for golf course turf; the planting cultivating, pruning, and caring for plants, shrubs and trees; the characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners; herbicides and pest control methods and materials; drainage control methods; and irrigation systems, including wells, pumps and automatic controls.
  2. Requires a high degree of administrative and management ability, especially in terms of problem solving and decision making; Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  3. Requires knowledge of current federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting the management of golf course operations.
  4. Ability to operate and maintain tools and machines associated with the upkeep of the golf course.
  5. Basic computer skills using a variety of computer software applications, including Word and Excel.
  6. Possesses an understanding of the game of golf.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  1. Associate’s Degree in turf management, agronomy, horticulture or other related field
  2. 3 years’ experience as a Golf Course Superintendent including Demonstrated experience and capability in the areas of budget development, fiscal management, strategic planning, staff management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Seeing and hearing: read documents, computer screen, answer phones, communicate in person 0-50%
  • Standing and walking 50-75%
  • Climbing, stooping, squatting and kneeling 50-75%
  • Dexterity: utilizing phone, typing, and writing 0-24%
  • Lift in excess of 50 pounds 25%-75%

Full Benefits package offered included:

  • Group health and dental/vision
  • Voluntary short term and long term disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance options
  • HSA with company match, FSA & Dep Care
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(K) with company match

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. This job description may be changed or updated at any time without notice.