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Sports Turf Management Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Sports Turf Technician City: West Lafayette Job Summary Responsible for assisting in the ... Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate ...

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Fertilization and pesticide applications to turf and ornamental areas. * Set up for sports events ... Must adhere to all safety standards and work practices established by the Facilities Management ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

CDL Driver B

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$20 - $25.25/hr

... courses, sport fields and more. We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their business ... Cultivate and manage strong relationships with customers * Assist customers with their questions ...

All JobsSports Turf Management JobsSports Turf Management Jobs in Indiana

Sports Turf Management information

See Indiana salary details

$30K

$57.5K

$114.7K

How much do sports turf management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports turf management in Indiana is $57,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports turf management?

Sports turf management is the practice of maintaining and preparing natural or synthetic grass surfaces for athletic fields, stadiums, and recreational sports venues. Professionals in this field are responsible for ensuring safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing playing surfaces by performing tasks such as mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and repair of worn areas. They often use specialized equipment and techniques to maximize turf performance and minimize downtime due to weather or heavy use. Sports turf managers may work for schools, professional sports teams, municipalities, or private facilities.

What are some common challenges faced in a sports turf management role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in sports turf management often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, heavy usage of playing surfaces, and the need to maintain optimal turf quality year-round. Addressing these challenges requires proactive planning, including regular soil testing, implementing proper irrigation and drainage solutions, and scheduling maintenance around team activities. Collaboration with coaches, grounds staff, and facility managers is essential to coordinate field availability and ensure that playing surfaces meet safety and performance standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports turf management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Turf Management, you need expertise in agronomy, turfgrass science, and grounds maintenance, typically supported by a degree in turf management or a related field. Familiarity with irrigation systems, soil testing equipment, and industry-standard certifications like Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality playing surfaces and efficient operations, which are critical for athlete safety and facility reputation.

What is the difference between Sports Turf Management vs Golf Course Superintendent?

AspectSports Turf ManagementGolf Course Superintendent
CertificationsCertified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), pesticide licensesGolf Course Superintendent Certification (GCSAA), pesticide licenses
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiums, athletic complexesGolf courses, clubhouses, fairways
Industry UsageSchools, professional sports teams, recreational facilitiesPrivate golf clubs, public golf courses
Job FocusMaintaining sports fields for safety and performanceMaintaining golf course quality and aesthetics

Both roles involve turf care, but Sports Turf Management focuses on athletic fields used for sports, emphasizing safety and durability, while Golf Course Superintendents specialize in maintaining golf courses' aesthetics and playability. Certifications, work environments, and industry usage overlap significantly, making them closely related but distinct careers.

What are popular job titles related to Sports Turf Management jobs in Indiana?

For Sports Turf Management jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Turf Management jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Turf Management jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Sports Turf Management jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Sports Turf Management job openings:

Sports Turf Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Turf Management job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,518 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

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

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Free food

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Purdue Universityexternal

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

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 EOE employer.

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