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Golf Course Turf Management Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ยท On-site

$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 ...

Greenskeeper

Riverwoods, IL ยท 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 ...

Greenskeeper

Riverwoods, IL ยท 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 ...

$40K - $125K/yr

Implement and execute effective turfgrass maintenance programs to ensure the health and appearance of the golf course. * Monitor and manage irrigation systems for optimal water usage and turf health.

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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 13, 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 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.

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.

Is golf course turf management a good career?

Golf course turf management is a specialized field that involves maintaining the health and appearance of turfgrass using skills in horticulture, irrigation, and pest control. It offers opportunities for outdoor work, seasonal schedules, and requires knowledge of turfgrass science and equipment operation. Career prospects depend on experience, certifications, and the demand for golf courses in the region.

What jobs can I get with a golf course turf management degree?

A degree in golf course turf management prepares individuals for roles such as golf course superintendent, turf technician, groundskeeper, or landscape manager. These jobs involve maintaining turf health, operating landscaping equipment, and applying turf management practices, often requiring knowledge of soil science, irrigation, and pest control. Certification and experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Golf Course Turf Management job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,726 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent I

TPC Network

Silvis, IL โ€ข On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

TPC Deere Run is a par-71, 7,256-yard championship golf course open to the public located in the Quad Cities region of Silvis, Illinois and just over a two-hour drive from Chicago. Since 2000, TPC Deere Run has been the home of the PGA TOUR's annual John Deere Classic. TPC Deere Run's championship course was featured as one of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest, as well as ranked fifth in the state of Illinois by GolfWeek Magazine.

Tee up your career as a part of our team with the TPC Network!

The Assistant Golf Course Superintendent I is a key position within the Golf Course Maintenance Department. Working directly with the Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations, the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent I is primarily responsible for developing a daily departmental work schedule and coordinating the related activities with the staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate or Bachelor degree in turf management or related field or trades training and equivalent work related experience in turf management
  • Thorough knowledge of general business administration practices and golf course operations practices and procedures as would be acquired through three to four years similar golf course maintenance experience in progressively responsible positions
  • Prior supervisory experience required
  • Working knowledge of golf course operations, turf management and practices necessary

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

  • Train, motivate, and supervise staff capable of performing the tasks associated with maintaining the golf course
  • Assist Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations with recommendations concerning personnel matters such as pay rates, performance reviews, corrective actions and terminations
  • Schedule and supervise the daily operations of the maintenance crew
  • Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of all tasks relevant to the Application Foreman, Irrigation Foreman, Landscape Foreman, Equipment Operator I, II, III & IV positions, Landscape Gardener I, II, III and IV positions, Irrigation Technicians I, II, III & IV positions, and the application technician position
  • Plan, schedule, and monitor daily operations, including responsibility for coordinating and assigning work, schedules leaves, and ensures adequate staffing for meeting departmental goals
  • Establish, promote and enforce safety practices in accordance with local, state and federal regulations Train employees in safety procedures and internal procedures
  • Ensure cleanliness of the golf course equipment, maintenance facility, and grounds
  • Maintain purchase order system and related invoice logs, which includes coding invoices with appropriate account numbers
  • Assist with the preparation, development, and management of the operating budget. Monitor and control departmental budget expenses. Perform all functions within the limits of the budget
  • Assist the Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations with record keeping for supplies, daily logs, application records, climatic condition records and personnel records which include verifying departmental staff time cards
  • Assist in the development and implementation of the necessary cultural maintenance programs necessary to keep the golf course and landscape grounds in good condition, including the proper application of pesticides and fertilizers
  • Operate within all local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines
  • Communicate over a 2-way radio system with other key department heads and staff members
  • Required to wear personal protective clothing and/or use protective equipment to comply with established safety operating standards
  • Special projects or other duties as assigned

PAY & BENEFITS - $55,000-$65,000/annual

Our benefits may include:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Health Savings Account with employer contribution
  • Life & Disability insurance
  • 401(k) plus employer match and employer contribution
  • Pet insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Complimentary employee meals
  • Access to PGA Tour golf tournaments
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Playing privileges and employee discounts

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; kneel; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, distance and peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

An essential function of the job is to be able to comply with all applicable federal, state and local safety and health regulations that would apply to this job.

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and may be modified as needed; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a variety of outdoor weather conditions. Position is very active and requires lifting, pulling or pushing up to or over 50 pounds, moving and/or lift items with awkward weights. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, distance and peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

An essential function of the job is to be able to comply with all applicable federal, state and local safety and health regulations that would apply to this job.

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and may be modified as needed; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.

Travel

  • Travel is not expected for this position

Work Schedule Expectations

  • This position requires shifts as necessary based on business levels

Supervisory Responsibility

  • This position manages employees and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within the department