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Remote Turfgrass Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME - REMOTE

NC · Remote

$90K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or related ... Remote position requiring 80% travel to client sites Apply to SSC today! SSC is a member of Compass ...

$15/hr

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The College of Agricultural Sciences Valentine Turfgrass Center seeks to hire ...

Remote Turfgrass information

See salary details

$11

$24

$38

How much do remote turfgrass jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote turfgrass in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are remote turfgrass jobs?

Remote turfgrass jobs involve managing, consulting, or researching turfgrass (the grass used for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses) from a remote location. These roles can include positions such as turfgrass consultant, researcher, agronomist, or technical support specialist. Remote professionals use digital tools to advise clients on turfgrass care, analyze soil or pest issues, and develop maintenance plans. These jobs often require strong knowledge of turfgrass science, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret data or images provided by clients. Many positions also involve collaborating with on-site personnel to ensure optimal turf health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Turfgrass Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Turfgrass Specialist, you need expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, and pest control, usually supported by a degree in agronomy, horticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with digital diagnostic tools, GIS mapping software, and remote sensing technologies is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and self-motivation skills help in providing effective recommendations and managing client relationships from a distance. These abilities ensure accurate remote assessment and management of turfgrass, leading to healthier landscapes and satisfied clients.

What is the difference between Remote Turfgrass vs Remote Landscape Technician?

AspectRemote TurfgrassRemote Landscape Technician
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Manager (CTM), pesticide licensesLandscape Technician Certification, pesticide licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with remote consultations, field visits for assessmentsPrimarily remote planning, with site visits for installations and maintenance
Industry UsageGolf courses, sports fields, turf management companiesResidential and commercial landscaping companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Remote Turfgrass specialists focus on turf health, management, and consulting, often working remotely with occasional site visits. Remote Landscape Technicians handle landscape projects, combining remote planning with on-site work. Both roles require certifications like pesticide licenses but differ in their primary work environments and industry applications.

What are some common challenges faced by remote turfgrass specialists, and how can they be effectively managed?

Remote turfgrass specialists often face challenges such as coordinating site assessments without being physically present, relying on technology for monitoring turf conditions, and maintaining strong communication with on-site teams. To manage these challenges, specialists use advanced remote sensing tools, detailed digital reporting, and regular virtual meetings to stay informed and guide on-site personnel. Building strong relationships and clear protocols with local staff also helps ensure that recommendations are implemented effectively, supporting healthy turf even from a distance.
More about Remote Turfgrass jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Turfgrass jobs? Cities with the most Remote Turfgrass job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Turfgrass jobs? The most popular types of Turfgrass jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Turfgrass jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Turfgrass jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Turfgrass job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,238 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME - REMOTE

Compass Group

NC • Remote

$90K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,053 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

291st of 425 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME - REMOTE 

Salary:  $90,000 - $100,000

SSC Services for Education is known for our expertise, commitment, and value; and we at SSC truly believe that our people are our greatest asset. By utilizing our associates' knowledge and experience alongside SSC's extensive training, providing supportive management, and offering unparalleled wage and benefit packages as well as career advancement opportunities, we have developed a workforce that differentiates us from our competitors. 

SSC Services for Education is a Nationwide Best in Class Facility Service Provider.  As a member of Compass Group, North America, we want you to be as great as you can be. We empower our associates to direct their own future, keeping them confident that we support them every step of the way.  As a result, our associates embody greatness through their actions, natural passion for quality, and a can-do attitude. The opportunity for greatness is real at SSC and throughout the Compass world. 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the 'job search' in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on 'referral tracking.' For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

The Athletics Grounds Subject Matter Expert leads SSC's nationwide athletic grounds program, setting the standard for excellence across collegiate and K-12 sports facilities. This role partners with sports field managers across the portfolio, builds strong relationships with athletic directors and clients, and supports business growth and retention. As a visible industry leader, the SME represents SSC at the highest levels while driving innovation in natural grass and synthetic surfaces through expertise and influence.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Act as SSC's national expert on athletic grounds, including natural and synthetic surfaces, agronomy, safety, and field performance.
  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of athletic field programs across all major sports and high-use turf environments.
  • Provide hands-on technical support through site visits, remote guidance, renovation planning, and leadership coaching.
  • Train and develop field managers and teams on best practices in safety, preparation, turf care, and maintenance techniques.
  • Conduct site assessments and QA audits; translate findings into clear, actionable improvement plans.
  • Design site-specific agronomic programs covering maintenance, renovation, field prep, and recovery cycles.
  • Build strong relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and stakeholders to align field performance with schedules and safety standards.
  • Support new site startups with planning, training, budgeting, compliance, and maintenance program setup.
  • Partner with the sales teams to support proposals, finalist presentations, client retention, RFP responses, and business development efforts.
  • Perform GMAX testing and field safety evaluations nationwide.
  • Represent SSC as an industry leader through conferences, publications, and professional associations.
  • Develop tools, templates, and resources to standardize and elevate field management practices.
  • Review project plans and specifications; support project execution and serve as an owner's representative when needed.
  • Step into leadership roles (Unit Director/Operations Manager) as needed and support additional operations priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • 15+ years of athletic field management experience across collegiate, professional, large K-12, municipal, or similar environments; NCAA Division I experience strongly preferred. 
    Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or related field.
  • Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) required; Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise with both natural grass and synthetic athletic surfaces across football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and multi-use fields.
  • Deep technical knowledge of athletic field agronomy, turfgrass physiology, soil science, fertility, irrigation, compaction relief, pest and disease management, overseeding, renovation, topdressing, infield skin management, synthetic turf maintenance, and field safety testing.
  • Project management experience including planning, coordination, budgeting, and execution.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present to executives, athletic directors, coaches, and operations teams.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms; familiar with field assessment, reporting, and project tracking tools.
  • Valid driver's license, ensuring safe operation of company vehicles in accordance with traffic laws and conditions.
  • Remote position requiring 80% travel to client sites 

Apply to SSC today!

SSC is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at SSC are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_SSC.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

SSC maintains a drug-free workplace.


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