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Sports Turf Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Essential Functions Programs and maintains the sports facility lights, ensuring that fields are ... Plants and cares for trees, turf, and shrubs. Inspects, maintains, and repairs playground equipment ...

Sports Turf Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$35.9K

$68.8K

$137.2K

How much do sports turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports turf manager in Seattle, WA is $68,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports turf manager?

A Sports Turf Manager is responsible for maintaining and managing the playing surfaces of sports fields, stadiums, and recreational facilities. They ensure the turf is safe, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for gameplay by overseeing mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and field repairs. They may also manage budgets, staff, and equipment to achieve optimal field conditions. Their expertise in turfgrass science and soil management helps prevent injuries and enhances athletic performance.

What are some typical challenges a sports turf manager faces during the sports season?

Sports Turf Managers often face challenges such as maintaining optimal playing conditions under heavy use, adapting to unpredictable weather, and managing tight event schedules. You may need to repair damaged turf quickly between games and adjust maintenance plans based on team practices or tournaments. Effective communication with coaches and event organizers is essential to coordinate field access and ensure both player safety and field longevity. The ability to prioritize tasks and implement creative solutions helps you meet the demands of a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports turf manager?

To thrive as a Sports Turf Manager, you need expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, pest and disease control, and field renovation, often backed by a degree in turf management or a related field. Familiarity with irrigation systems, industry-standard equipment, and certifications such as Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) are highly valued. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities will help you coordinate teams and collaborate with coaches or facility managers. These skills ensure high-quality, safe playing surfaces that meet user expectations and withstand rigorous sports schedules.

Is sports turf management a good career?

Sports turf management is a specialized field involving the maintenance of athletic fields, requiring knowledge of horticulture, soil science, and equipment operation. It offers opportunities in sports facilities, golf courses, and parks, often requiring certifications and physical work. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in outdoor work and turf science.

What are popular job titles related to Sports Turf Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Sports Turf Manager jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Turf Manager jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Turf Manager jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Sports Turf Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Sports Turf Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Turf Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,789 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Sports Complex Specialist

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA • On-site

$32.09 - $36.27/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Seattle Public Schools rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Salary: $32.09 - $36.27 Hourly
Location : John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, WA
Job Type: Hourly
Job Number: 27598
Department: Grounds/Sports Complexes
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Subject Area: N/A - THIS IS NOT A TEACHING POSITION
FTE: 0
Overview of Position
This position's responsibility, under the general supervision of the Grounds Supervisor or designee, is to perform skilled grounds work in the care and maintenance of an assigned sports field and sports complex; performs general gardening, landscaping and custodial duties to ensure that assigned areas are cleaned and maintained properly; assists with gardening services at other District facilities, as assigned.
Essential Functions
  • Maintains athletic sports field, including both natural and synthetic turf surfaces; performs routine gardening functions such as ground preparation, planting, transplanting, weeding, weed eating, mowing, raking, fertilizing, sodding, aerating, pruning, mulching, turf sweeping, general grounds clean up and snow removal; ensures weed and insect management.

  • Operates small powered equipment such as lawn mowers, edgers, thatchers, spreaders, perforators, rototillers, rollers, weed eaters, turf sweepers, chain saws and others, as appropriate; provides minor tool and equipment maintenance and repair; identifies tool, equipment, material and additional crew help needs and consults with Grounds Supervisor about needs.

  • Works with the Athletics Coordinator and Grounds Supervisor to schedule events and activities; monitors schedules to ensure that each field is prepared for each event; maintains logs and records of events and services.

  • Sets up each field to meet the needs of individual sporting activities and events, including multiple events on the same day; establishes standard set ups for various sports seasons and sporting activities.

  • Cleans sports complex, including stands, press box, offices and restroom facilities; picks up litter.

  • Recommends irrigation scheduling; makes minor repairs and adjustments to irrigation systems.

  • Maintains safe work environment; informs Grounds Supervisor of hazardous situations or unsafe procedures.

  • May provide direction to itinerant crews working at assigned field; may be assigned to work at schools or other sites, as needed.

  • May occasionally drive pickup or other small service truck having either manual or automatic transmission.

OTHER FUNCTIONS
  • Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Works under the general direction of the Grounds Supervisor or designee.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Exposed to cold, rain, snow, heat and other inclement weather which require appropriate gear and clothing; required to wear protective gear while operating equipment; required to move, shove and lift objects and materials weighing approximately 50 lbs.; required to squat, stoop, bend, crawl, walk, climb ladders and scaffolding; requires manual dexterity for using various equipment; required to make site analysis of situations and determine proper course of action to take; required to shift tasks and priorities; experiences frequent interruptions; requires individual initiative and teamwork; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult individuals; required to travel between sites.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
  • Grounds and turf maintenance and facility cleaning methods
  • Irrigation system adjustments and repair

Skill in:
  • Oral and written communication
  • Public and customer relations techniques
  • Working independently and as part of a team
Ability to:
  • Cultivate lawns, trees, and ornamental plants;
  • Maintain natural and synthetic turf fields
  • Operate various small powered equipment such as lawn mowers, edgers, thatchers, spreaders, perforators, rototillers, rollers, weed eaters, turf sweepers, and chain saws
  • Utilize various gardening hand tools
  • Maintain field maintenance schedule
  • Evaluate, recommend and implement solutions to issues
  • Relate effectively with District staff, students and the public
  • Maintain a safe working environment and utilize equipment and tools in a safe manner
  • Drive equipment having manual and automatic transmissions
  • Read irrigation plans

Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION:
High school graduation or GED equivalent
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of experience working as a Gardener.
SUBSTITUTION:
One year of additional experience working as a Gardener may substitute for the education requirement.
LICENSES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Washington State driver's license and proof of public liability insurance if personal vehicle is used for District business; ability to provide own transportation between and to various District sites and locations.
CONDITIONS
The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.
District employees, other than personnel in the office of the Executive Director of Logistics, are not authorized to make promises of employment, promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certificated or classified positions. Any verbal or written statements to that effect by District employees other than staff in the office of the Executive Director of Logistics are null and void.
Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click for an overview of available benefit options.
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.
Salary Schedule
Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it

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