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Sport Turf Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate ... Relay sport program information and explain processes correctly to coaches, administrators and ...

Groundskeeper

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under supervision from the Sports Turf Manager, the Groundskeeper assists in maintaining the playing field and grounds at the stadium, Houston Texans practice facility as well as the grounds ...

Groundskeeper

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under supervision from the Sports Turf Manager, the Groundskeeper assists in maintaining the playing field and grounds at the stadium, Houston Texans practice facility as well as the grounds ...

Groundskeeper

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Under supervision from the Sports Turf Manager, the Groundskeeper assists in maintaining the playing field and grounds at the stadium, Houston Texans practice facility as well as the grounds ...

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Sport Turf Management information

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$31.5K

$60.4K

$120.5K

How much do sport turf management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport turf management in the United States is $60,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sport turf management?

Sport Turf Management is the specialized field focused on the care and maintenance of grass and artificial surfaces used in sports venues, such as stadiums, golf courses, and athletic fields. Professionals in this role ensure the playing surfaces are healthy, safe, and meet sport-specific standards through regular mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and repair. They also manage soil health, oversee drainage, and may coordinate with event organizers to prepare fields for games or tournaments. This career combines knowledge of horticulture, agronomy, and facility operations to keep sports fields in optimal condition year-round.

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

To excel in Sport Turf Management, expertise in agronomy, soil science, and turfgrass management, often supported by a relevant degree or certification, is essential. Familiarity with irrigation systems, turf maintenance equipment, and environmental monitoring tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals adapt to changing field conditions and collaborate with facility staff. These skills ensure high-quality, safe, and visually appealing sports surfaces that meet performance standards and reduce injury risks.

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

Professionals in Sport Turf Management often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, heavy field usage, and pest or disease outbreaks that can affect turf quality. Managing these issues requires proactive planning, including regular monitoring, timely maintenance, and the use of sustainable turf care practices. Collaboration with coaches, grounds staff, and facility managers is also essential to balance field play schedules with maintenance needs, ensuring both safety and optimal playing conditions.

What is the difference between Sport Turf Management vs Groundskeeper?

AspectSport Turf ManagementGroundskeeper
CertificationsCertified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), pesticide applicator licensesNone specific, often on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiums, athletic complexesParks, golf courses, school grounds
Industry UsageSports organizations, universities, municipalitiesPublic parks, private properties, institutions
Job FocusMaintaining high-quality sports turf for athletic performanceGeneral landscape maintenance and upkeep

Sport Turf Management and Groundskeeper roles both involve landscape care, but Sport Turf Management specializes in maintaining athletic fields for sports performance, requiring specific certifications and a focus on high-quality turf conditions. Groundskeepers typically handle broader landscape tasks across various settings with less specialized training.

What cities are hiring for Sport Turf Management jobs?

Cities with the most Sport Turf Management job openings:

What states have the most Sport Turf Management jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sport Turf Management jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sport Turf Management jobs?

For Sport Turf Management jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sport Turf Management job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,445 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the maintenance and operations of athletic fields and surrounding grounds.

  • Formulate and implement turfgrass maintenance schedules, manage chemical and fertilizer applications, and troubleshoot turf equipment issues.

  • Oversee and manage grounds maintenance crews, coordinate field preparations, and assist with game day operations.


Purdue University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Sports Turf Technician
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance and operations of all Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletic fields and surrounding grounds areas.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Formulate and implement proper turfgrass maintenance schedules and management practices, to include recognizing, identifying and treating turfgrass insects and diseases that could damage the quality of athletic turf. Responsible for application of fertilizer and chemicals for athletic facility sites. Formulate fertilizers and chemical spread formulas used in turfgrass maintenance. Assist with game day operations for all outdoor athletic events. Assist Sports Turf Crew Chief with special projects. Work under the supervision of the Sports Turf Crew Chief.
  • Assist in creating annual maintenance & fertility weekly duties calendars, then independently follows them throughout the year to promote, monitor and maintain health of assigned areas. Work independently on special projects assigned by Sports Turf Crew Chief.
  • Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate painting/fertilizing and cultural practices for all game and practice fields. Assign and manage crews responsible for aerifying, topdressing and sod work. Paint lines and logos for sporting events and can troubleshoot issues. Oversee multiple assigned student employees.
  • Use of a variety of specialized machinery, including boom sprayer, reel mowers, utility tractor, skid steer, topdressors, seeders, paint lining equipment and irrigation systems. Use turf equipment and irrigation systems and can troubleshoot issues. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain working inventory of all materials used; accurate allocation of chemicals in keeping with EPA standards; ensures proper inventory records to plan for purchase of chemicals, fertilizers, paint and maintenance supplies. Keep detailed history of turf maintenance, chemical/fertility logs, paint logs for historical reference or review of BMPs.
  • Respond to coaches needs and advise to ensure accuracy and understanding of all details. Make recommendations for improvement. Develop turfgrass maintenance tools applicable to the sport program area(s). Maintain awareness of current and emerging technologies related to field maintenance and communication. Relay sport program information and explain processes correctly to coaches, administrators and staff. Work closely with coaching staffs and other athletic department staff members for practices and events.

About Us:
Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue's 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together-where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more: Purdue Boilermakers Athletics
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • Two or four-year degree in turf science or related field preferred.
  • Three years of sports turf experience required.

Skills needed:
  • Preferably, will have a two or four year degree in turf science or related field and possess three or more years of sports turf experience
  • Must have obtained Category 3B pesticide license
  • Routinely demonstrate organizational and time management skills to meet strict deadlines
  • Ability to communicate and adhere to OSHA, University, Big Ten Conference, and NCAA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations is necessary
  • Must participate in continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, correspondence courses and trade shows
  • Maintains an awareness of current and new technologies, procedures, products that could improve the quality of athletic fields
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.
  • HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 50 to 80 lbs. frequently, and up to 100+ lbs.

Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
  • Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream
Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 2
Pay Band S040
Job Code#20003768
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
EOE
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university

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