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Sports Turf Jobs in Indiana (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 ...

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Maintain artificial turf athletic fields * Set up for sport events; includes clean up during and after games * Maintain all asphalt areas such as parking lots and roads * Remove all trash and debris ...

University of Indianapolis

Groundskeeper

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Maintain artificial turf athletic fields * Set up for sport events; includes clean up during and after games * Maintain all asphalt areas such as parking lots and roads * Remove all trash and debris ...

Lafayette, IN

Physical Therapist - Outpatient Othopedics

Muncie, IN · On-site

$1.5K - $1.9K/wk

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are hiring a physical therapist with an interest in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to join our ... The expansion will feature a large functional training gym equipped with a turf surface, golf ...

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How much do sports turf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports turf in Indiana is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Sports Turf jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Sports Turf jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Sports Turf job openings:

Sports Turf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Turf job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,801 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Sports Turf Technician

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities

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 EO/EA University

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