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Golf Course Turf Management Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Troon Golf

Golf Course Starter

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

Invited Clubs

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 ...

Troon

Golf Course Starter

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

ClubCorp

Greenskeeper

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/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 ...

Invited

Greenskeeper

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19/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 ...

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All JobsGolf Course Turf Management JobsGolf Course Turf Management Jobs in Illinois

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 Aug 20, 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 are popular job titles related to Golf Course Turf Management jobs in Illinois?

For Golf Course Turf Management jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Golf Course Turf Management jobs near you
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.

Assistant Golf Superintendent

Naperville Park District

Naperville, IL • On-site

$22.11 - $27.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Naperville Park District rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Golf Grounds, the Assistant Golf Superintendent performs the daily maintenance of all aspects of the golf facility, supervises the activities of the part time maintenance staff, and collaborates with the Superintendent of Golf Grounds in the daily operation of the golf course.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Collaborate with the Superintendent of Golf Grounds in planning, scheduling, and supervising the maintenance of the golf course to industry standards.
  2. Coordinate and provide support of daily golf course presentation including mowing of turf areas, raking of bunkers, course set up, and other related tasks as needed to provide patrons with quality course conditions.
  3. Supervise and participate in the operation and maintenance of the golf course irrigation and drainage systems.
  4. Inspect golf facilities and property for safety and cleanliness. Evaluate, determine, and prioritize necessary repairs and maintenance.
  5. Operate and maintain equipment. Clean and organize work and storage areas.
  6. Perform administrative duties including inventory, budget, reporting, and daily record keeping.
  7. Apply pesticides for control of weeds, insects, and fungal disease problems as needed.
  8. Manage work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work, ensuring quality standards. Assists with the hiring, disciplining, training, developing, and reviewing performance for part time staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Under the supervision of the Vehicle & Equipment Technician, perform minor maintenance and repair of golf equipment and carts.
  • Assist in the general maintenance and/or repairs of golf course equipment as assigned by the Director of Golf.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of generally accepted maintenance practices for golf course playing surfaces. This includes the planting, cultivation, pruning, and general care of a variety of plant materials, the characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers, plant protectants, herbicides, and other pest control methods and materials, and drainage control methods for irrigation systems such as wells, pumps, and automated controls.
  • Basic understanding of the game of golf and how it relates to the set up and playing conditions of the golf course.
  • Ability to schedule and supervise maintenance activities to achieve the most efficient and effective utilization of labor and equipment.
  • Ability to maintain effective employee and public relations.
  • Ability to operate equipment including but not limited to tractors, trucks, and mowing equipment.
  • Basic understanding and ability to use Microsoft platform.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Education and Experience:

  • Certificate or Associate's degree in Turf Management or related field.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience in turf and/or green industry related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Possession, or the ability to obtain, State of Illinois pesticide operator or applicators license within six (6) months of hire.

Special Considerations:

  • Subject to both office and outside environmental conditions.
  • Exposure to pesticides, chemicals, dust, exhaust fumes, dirt, noise, insect bites, and loud noises.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing ≤ 50 lbs on a weekly basis. Lifting assistance is required when lifting > 50 lbs.
  • Prolonged lifting, stooping, bending, twisting, standing, and climbing.
  • Manual dexterity and strength to operate power-operated equipment and machines.
  • Subject to modified/flexible work schedules.
  • Regular onsite attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Ability to travel to and work at all Naperville Park District facilities.

Benefits

Hiring Rate: $22.11/hr - $27.63/hr 

To be considered for this position, interested individuals must complete the online application accessible at
www.napervilleparks.org/employment. Materials submitted through mail, email, or fax will not be considered

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