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Grounds Intern Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Grounds Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grounds intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grounds Intern, you need basic knowledge of horticulture, landscaping techniques, and the ability to operate lawn and garden equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with maintenance tools, irrigation systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you adapt to varied outdoor tasks. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality upkeep of grounds and facilities, contributing to a positive environment.

What is a grounds intern?

Grounds Interns are entry-level professionals who assist with the maintenance and care of outdoor landscapes, such as gardens, parks, sports fields, or campus grounds. Their responsibilities may include mowing lawns, planting flowers, watering plants, trimming shrubs, and helping with landscaping projects. Interns work under the supervision of experienced groundskeepers or horticulturists to learn proper techniques and gain practical experience in grounds management. This role provides valuable hands-on training for individuals interested in careers related to landscaping, horticulture, or facility management.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a grounds intern during their internship?

As a Grounds Intern, you can expect to assist with daily maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, planting, and irrigation under the guidance of experienced groundskeepers. You’ll learn about proper equipment usage, landscape design, pest management, and seasonal care for various types of plants and turf. Interns often work as part of a collaborative grounds crew, gaining hands-on experience while also developing teamwork and communication skills. This role offers valuable exposure to industry best practices and can serve as a stepping stone toward more specialized landscaping or grounds management positions.

What is the difference between Grounds Intern vs Groundskeeper?

AspectGrounds InternGroundskeeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma; certifications in landscaping or horticulture beneficial
Work EnvironmentAssists with maintenance tasks, often in training or internship capacityPerforms ongoing grounds maintenance, often outdoors in various weather conditions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational, municipal, or corporate settings as an entry-level positionCommon in parks, schools, and private properties for regular grounds upkeep

In summary, a Grounds Intern typically assists with grounds maintenance under supervision and is often a temporary or training role. A Groundskeeper performs regular, hands-on grounds maintenance duties independently. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Groundskeeper has more experience and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grounds jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Grounds jobs in Indiana are:
Grounds Intern jobs near you

Golf & Grounds Intern, 2026 Fall-Winter Season

Penske Entertainment

Indianapolis, IN

$14.25 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE:
Golf and Grounds Internship

REPORTS TO:
Golf, Grounds, and Horticulture Managers

LOCATION:
Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Intern

DURATION:
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 (Flexible on start and end dates and times to accommodate school schedules)

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
  • INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
  • IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
  • Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Join the team that maintains the most unique turf and landscape in sports. The Golf and Grounds Department of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is responsible for maintaining the turf and landscapes of the historic motor speedway (home of the world’s largest single day sporting event) and the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course (an 18-hole Pete Dye designed course).

Interns will learn and participate in the care of both the IMS grounds/landscaping and golf course maintenance. Perspective interns should have career aspirations of working in golf course, grounds, horticulture, or sports facilities management. This manual labor, intensive, hands-on learning experience with optional extracurricular activities to help candidates grow professionally.

Due to the fall schedule, this is a flexible internship; beginning and ending dates can be adjusted or rolled into the Summer Internship of 2027. Accommodation in scheduling can be made for Indianapolis-based college students looking for part-time work throughout the school year.

             

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be a part of the unique preparations, event execution, and cleanup for multiple events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other racing events from the facilities and grounds management perspective.
  • Under the guidance of the Golf & Grounds leadership team, participate in the execution of all agronomic practices performed on the IMS campus.
  • Assist in a variety of tasks in maintaining a championship level golf course.
  • Experience the continuation of campus wide and golf course modernization projects.
  • May assist Assistant Grounds Managers in scheduling, conducting tasks, and follow up of projects.
  • May assist in the calibration and application of plant protection products and fertilizers.
  • Enthusiasm for and commitment to the company and the Vision, Mission, and Values.
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Help maintain high standards of operational excellence and fan experience
  • Deliver outstanding service to partners, guests, and colleagues

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.

Required Experience & Skills:

  • Candidates must possess positive attitudes, strong work ethic, attention to detail, eagerness to learn and organizational skills. 
  • High integrity, strong people skills, and effective communication skills.
  • Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to work on a team to succeed.
  • Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
  • Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards

Education:

  • Currently pursuing, or graduated with, a degree in Golf Course Management, Turfgrass and/or Horticulture Management, Sports Management, or related fields.

Leadership:

  • This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

  • A full schedule requires 40+ hours per week, including one weekend day during event/golf season (May-October). Voluntary overtime is available with many individuals working up to 60 hours per week during events season.
    • The typical start time is 6:00am but may vary due to event demands. Flexible schedules can be made to accommodate students enrolled in classes and other special circumstances.
  • Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The position involves walking or standing for long periods of time throughout the day. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain and other adverse weather conditions.
  • The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events and mowing equipment. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

  • Experience the unique, behind the scenes history of the 100+ year Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
  • Gain experience in preparing for, hosting, and wrap up major racing and golf events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other major racing events.  
  • Uniform polos provided
  • Golfing privileges
  • Flexible Scheduling

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.

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