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Sports Turf Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berea College

Sports Turf Specialist

Berea, KY · On-site

Facilities Management Opening Date: 05/01/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Salary Grade: 4 Labor Supervisor ... The Sports Turf Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and management of high-quality ...

Vanderbilt University

Turf Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Under the direction of the Sports Turf Manager, this position functions within the day-to-day operation of the Sports Turf maintenance crew in activities generally associated with athletic turf care ...

BrightView

Sports Turf Supervisor

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

... sports turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role ... The specialist works closely with other grounds crews, coaches, and facility managers to ensure ...

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Sports Turf Management information

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$31.5K

$60.4K

$120.5K

How much do sports turf management jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports 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 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.

More about Sports Turf Management jobs
What cities are hiring for Sports Turf Management jobs? Cities with the most Sports Turf Management job openings:
What states have the most Sports Turf Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Turf Management jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Turf Management jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Turf Management jobs are:
Sports Turf Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Turf Management job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,445 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Assistant Turf Manager - Rice University

Assistant Turf Manager - Rice University

Sports Field Solutions

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17-$20/hr

SPORTS FIELD SOLUTIONS IS SEEKING AN:

Assistant Turf Manager


To maintain immaculate sports fields at Rice University.


WHO YOU ARE

You love sports. You spent your childhood summers on baseball fields, your fall Friday nights under stadium lights, and your winters on hard courts. You love a natural grass playing surface. Whereas your friends are in awe when they look at a professional baseball field, you are at home. You know the difference between a height of cut and a , and you understand just how hard it is to get those perfect infield edges at Globe Life Park. You are meticulous. Others see perfection when they look at your fields, but all you see is the almost-imperceptible divot in center field from the previous nights diving catch. You love being part of a team. Could you do it alone? Sure. Do you prefer the camaraderie of a team working to build a premium brand? Absolutely.


WHO WE ARE

We love sports fields. How much? As much as Texas loves its high school football. That's a lot. We know that the difference between feeling like a professional athlete and a high school walk-on is often the quality of the playing surface. We love nothing more than the glimmer of stadium lights on a freshly-cut, pristine natural grass playing surface. Finally, we believe that great people transform businesses. We provide a vision and then ask our people to creatively use their talents to achieve it.


CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Assist Turf Manager by supervising and supporting crew members to perform their best through proper training and guidance
  2. Assist Turf Manager in organizing, planning and execution of strategy
  3. Perform general landscaping duties as assigned.
  4. Work with other grounds staff as directed and perform other duties as assigned.
  5. Maintain premium sports field surfaces by implementing best practices in mowing, fertilization, pest management, aeration, moisture management, top dressing and more
  6. Monitor, report and resolve field issues such as turf stress, disease, irrigation problems and pest management issues
  7. Perform preventative maintenance operations on various pieces of equipment
  8. Perform irrigation audits to ensure system is operating efficiently
  9. Assist with tarp handling and inclement weather situations when customer deems necessary


REQUIREMENTS


If you read the description above and feel like it was written for you, please apply. Formal requirements include a degree from a 2- or 4-year turf management program or significant sports-turf experience. Informal requirements include a passion for learning and producing high-quality work, the ability to communicate effectively, and an inclination to value teamwork over ego.