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Sports Turf Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BrightView

Sports Turf Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

The Field Maintenance Specialist is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and enhancement of natural and synthetic sports turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions.

BrightView

Sports Turf Supervisor

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

The Field Maintenance Specialist is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and enhancement of natural and synthetic sports turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions.

San José State University

Gardener

San Jose, CA

$5.0K/mo

Knowledge of sports turf management, athletic field preparation, irrigation systems, and soil management. * Ability to identify and address plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. * Skill ...

California State University

Gardener

San Jose, CA · On-site

$5.0K/mo

Knowledge of sports turf management, athletic field preparation, irrigation systems, and soil management. * Ability to identify and address plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. * Skill ...

ASM Global

Field Groundskeeper ONT Field

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20/hr

This role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in sports turf management, baseball operations, or stadium field operations. Key Responsibilities: Field Preparation & Maintenance ...

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Sports Turf information

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$26

How much do sports turf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports turf in California is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.71 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.

More about Sports Turf jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports Turf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Turf job openings in California 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 $36,094 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Sports Turf Manager

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

BrightView

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 36 rated gardening and landscaping

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about BrightViewexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Best Teams are Created and Maintained Here.
Job Summary
  • The Field Maintenance Specialist is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and enhancement of natural and synthetic sports turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role involves daily field inspections, routine maintenance tasks such as mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, as well as specialized care based on seasonal and event-related needs. The specialist works closely with other grounds crews, coaches, and facility managers to ensure fields meet the standards required for athletic performance and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Mow, edge, fertilize, aerate, and irrigate natural grass playing fields.
  • Monitor turf health and implement pest, weed, and disease control measures.
  • Repair worn or damaged turf areas, including reseeding or sodding.
  • Groom, clean, and inspect artificial turf surfaces.
  • Monitor infill levels and ensure proper surface consistency and safety.
  • Line fields for various sports (e.g., soccer, football, baseball) according to regulation standards.
  • Set up goals, bases, benches, and other game-day equipment.
  • Inspect, adjust, and repair irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage.
  • Program controllers and monitor water scheduling based on turf needs and weather.
  • Conduct soil testing and apply fertilizers or amendments as needed.
  • Maintain appropriate soil compaction levels to promote turf health and player safety.
  • Maintain fences, bleachers, dugouts, lighting, scoreboards, and storage areas.
  • Service and repair maintenance tools and equipment (e.g., mowers, utility carts, line painters).
  • Prepare fields for athletic events, practices, and tournaments.
  • Perform post-event cleanup and repair any field damage caused by activity or weather.
  • Conduct regular inspections to ensure playing surfaces meet safety standards.
  • Maintain compliance with local and national field maintenance regulations.
  • Track maintenance schedules, pesticide applications, irrigation logs, and weather data.
  • Report field conditions, hazards, and maintenance needs to supervisors or facility managers.
  • Coordinate with coaches, athletic directors, grounds teams, and vendors.
  • Provide input on field use scheduling and improvements.

Education and Experience:
  • Experience in a landscape-related field
  • Preferred experience in Sports Turf facilities and areas.
  • Work & multi-task in a fast-paced environment, flexible work schedule based on campus activities, sporting events.
  • Strong work ethic
  • Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

Physical Demands/Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. (mulch, fertilizer, etc.)
  • Ability to load/unload burlaps with plant cuttings onto trailer (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Be at least 18 years old (21 if operating company provided vehicles)
  • Possess strong stamina and have the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Able to safely operate landscaping equipment (e.g., mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers).
  • Able to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, stand, walk continuously throughout the day and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
  • Able to perform manual labor using a variety of hand tools (e.g. shovels, rakes)
  • You are able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., safety shoes, high-visibility clothing, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection)
  • Landscapers who will be operating a BrightView fleet vehicle are required to have a valid driver's license and meet company standards as it relates motor vehicle performance identified on a state issued motor vehicle record check.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays if needed.
  • Ability to maintain, in your possession at all times, required medications to address any known allergic reactions should they occur.

Work Environment:
  • Ability to work outdoors/indoors in moderate to extreme weather conditions (e.g., temperatures more than 100°F, temperatures below 32°F, various levels of humidity)
  • Ability to work in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
  • Work outdoors near automotive traffic, bodies of water, fumes, dust, mechanical and/or electrical hazards.
  • Ability to work in environments where extended periods of loud noise are present.
  • Ability to work in environments where exposure to allergens such as pollen and rag weed, insects such as bees and spiders and reptiles such as lizards and snakes.

BrightView Landscapes, LLC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
This job description is subject to change at any time.
Compensation Pay Range:
70000.00 to 90000.00k
BrightView offers a suite or health, wellness, and financial benefits to full-time team members. Benefits offerings for full-time team members include medical, dental, and vision insurance, ancillary and voluntary products, a 401k savings plan with employer contributions, and 6 to 9 company paid holidays per year. Employees may also be eligible to receive paid time off for vacation and/or sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and/or potential variable pay opportunities based on position and performance. A detailed benefits package will be provided during the interview process.
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