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Sports Turf Technician Jobs (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 maintenance and operations of all Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletic fields and surrounding grounds ...

AEG

Sports Turf Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

Assistant Turf Manager, Turf Technicians Start Date: Immediate Position Overview Atlético Dallas is hiring a Sports Turf Manager to lead the turfgrass management of the team-one temporary training ...

Lawn Doctor

Turf & Plant Health Specialist

Savannah, GA · On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

... standard technician pay structure. What We Offer * Competitive pay based on experience and ... Sports turf management * Landscape management * Arboriculture * Plant healthcare * Pest management ...

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How much do sports turf technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports turf technician in the United States is $28.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports turf technician?

Sports Turf Technicians are professionals responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overall care of sports playing surfaces such as football fields, baseball diamonds, and golf courses. They ensure that the turf is healthy, safe, and suitable for athletic use by performing tasks like mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and managing irrigation systems. In addition, Sports Turf Technicians may handle pest control, soil testing, and field markings to keep the surfaces in optimal condition for play. Their work helps prevent injuries and enhances the appearance and performance of sports facilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sports turf technician?

To thrive as a Sports Turf Technician, you need knowledge of turf management, landscaping, irrigation systems, and pest control, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant certificate in turf management or horticulture. Familiarity with turf maintenance equipment, soil testing kits, and specialized turf management software is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help you excel in maintaining high-quality sports surfaces and collaborating with facility staff. These skills are vital to ensure safe, playable, and visually appealing sports fields that meet professional standards.

What challenges do sports turf technicians face when maintaining athletic fields?

Sports Turf Technicians often encounter challenges such as weather-related damage, heavy foot traffic, and rapid turf recovery after events. Managing these challenges requires careful scheduling of maintenance tasks like aeration, irrigation, and fertilization, as well as close collaboration with coaches and event organizers to plan field usage. Proactively monitoring turf health and adapting maintenance practices based on seasonal conditions can help ensure safe, high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year.

What is the difference between Sports Turf Technician vs Groundskeeper?

AspectSports Turf TechnicianGroundskeeper
CertificationsOften requires pesticide application licenses, turf management certificationsMay require general groundskeeping or landscaping certifications
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiums, athletic complexesParks, golf courses, school grounds, public spaces
Job FocusMaintaining athletic turf quality, turf health, field safetyGeneral landscape maintenance, lawn care, plant health
Employer & IndustrySports facilities, stadiums, athletic organizationsMunicipalities, private estates, parks departments

While both roles involve maintaining outdoor green spaces, Sports Turf Technicians specialize in preparing and maintaining athletic fields for sports performance and safety, often requiring specific turf management certifications. Groundskeepers have a broader focus on general landscape maintenance across various settings. The roles overlap in work environment and some certifications but differ mainly in their specific focus and industry applications.

What cities are hiring for Sports Turf Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Turf Technician job openings:

What states have the most Sports Turf Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Turf Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Turf Technician jobs?

For Sports Turf Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sports Turf Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,028 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Purdue Universityexternal

$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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