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Sports Turf Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

... turf. You will be responsible for all maintenance of irrigation systems on assigned campuses and sports fields. Responsibilities include: * Directly responsible for the maintenance of irrigation ...

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Sports Turf information

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$6

$15

$23

How much do sports turf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports turf in Alabama is $15.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports turf manager do?

Sports turf managers are professionals responsible for the maintenance and management of natural and artificial playing surfaces used in sports facilities, such as stadiums, golf courses, and athletic fields. Their duties include mowing, fertilizing, aerating, irrigating, and repairing turf to ensure it is safe and aesthetically pleasing for athletes and spectators. They also monitor soil health, manage pests and diseases, and often operate specialized equipment. Sports turf managers must balance the demands of play schedules with the need to maintain high-quality surfaces, often working long hours during peak seasons.

What are the qualifications to get a sports turf job?

The primary qualifications for a sports turf job include an associate degree in a field like turf management as well as any necessary licenses or permits for using chemicals or operating machinery. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a sports turf job occasionally involves working in poor weather conditions, so the ability to work well in heat, cold, or heavy rain is essential to success. The government and major sports companies often manage athletic fields, and pre-employment checks may include a criminal history check, a driving record check, and a drug test. Employers prefer applicants who have previous experience managing sports turf, so any experience you get can help you stand out from other applicants. Communication skills and the ability to work independently are also essential for success.

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

Success as a Sports Turf Manager requires knowledge of turfgrass science, soil management, and experience in landscaping or horticulture, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with irrigation systems, turf maintenance equipment, and industry-standard software for scheduling and record-keeping is typically necessary. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in managing teams and meeting client or organizational expectations. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality sports surfaces that meet performance standards and support athlete safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by sports turf professionals during seasonal transitions, and how can they be managed?

Sports turf professionals often encounter significant challenges during seasonal transitions, such as managing grass health amid changing temperatures, increased rainfall, or drought. These transitions can also bring about pest and disease outbreaks, requiring proactive monitoring and timely interventions. Successful professionals stay ahead by adjusting maintenance schedules, applying appropriate fertilizers and treatments, and collaborating closely with grounds crews to ensure optimal playing conditions. Maintaining open communication with coaches and event coordinators also helps balance field use with necessary maintenance.

What is the difference between Sports Turf vs Groundskeeper?

AspectSports TurfGroundskeeper
CertificationsSports Turf certifications, pesticide licensesGeneral groundskeeping certifications, pesticide licenses
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiums, athletic complexesParks, golf courses, school grounds
Job FocusMaintaining athletic surfaces for safety and performanceMaintaining overall outdoor spaces for aesthetics and safety

Sports Turf specialists focus on maintaining athletic fields to ensure optimal playing conditions, often requiring specific turf management certifications. Groundskeepers handle broader outdoor spaces, including parks and gardens, with a focus on aesthetics and general maintenance. While both roles involve turf care, Sports Turf professionals specialize in sports surfaces, making their skills more targeted for athletic environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Turf jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Sports Turf jobs in Alabama are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Sports Turf jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Sports Turf job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Turf job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,149 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Athletic Field Manager - 530110

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)
Department/Organization: 600203 - Grounds Maintenance
Normal Work Schedule: Varies
Job Summary: The Athletic Field Manager oversees daily operations, maintenance, report, and agronomic programming of athletic properties. Manages the preparation, layout, and painting of all field markings and decorations in accordance with NCAA and SEC rules. Communicates with operations and coaching personnel to coordinate field maintenance schedule.
Additional Department Summary: Works directly with the Operations Coordinator to make strategic adjustments, as necessary, based on needs, schedules, camps, and weather. Supervises all staff on field maintenance for designated fields to ensure execution of daily tasks and following safe work procedures. Recognizes and reports problems or changes with fields or equipment. Liaises with marketing in relation to promotions if they impact fieldwork either before or after an event. Attends operations meetings for sport to be informed and advise regarding field conditions, weather scenarios, and guest practice schedules. Helps with all other fields as needed, especially football field painting, and occasional ornamental groundskeeping work. Works overtime as needed, sometimes on short notice.
Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and six (6) years of experience in field maintenance/management with a professional, minor league, and/or NCAA Division I sports team; OR associate's degree and four (4) years of experience in field maintenance/management with a professional, minor league, and/or NCAA Division I sports team; OR bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience in field maintenance/management with a professional, minor league, and/or NCAA Division I sports team; OR master's degree and some experience in field maintenance/management with a professional, minor league, and/or NCAA Division I sports team.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting 50 lbs., loading to the height of a truck bed, walking one mile unassisted and uninterrupted, and near-continuous standing. Ability to work overtime, sometimes on short notice. Intermediate mechanical skills to maintain equipment, irrigation systems, and perform routine building maintenance. Ability to read, understand, and follow labels for pesticide applications. Ability to schedule usage of shared equipment with awareness of inventory and the scope of the entire Intercollegiate Athletics sports turf maintenance program. Detailed oriented and organized to document and record practices, weather events, and field usage. Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision from the Director.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

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