1

Sports Turf Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Groundsman (SEIU Local 1)

Saginaw, MI ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

... lawn, sports field, parking lot maintenance, snow/ice removal, equipment maintenance and repair ... Mowing, edging, and trimming of turf and includes subsequent cleanup of resulting debris operations.

Groundskeeper

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... sports event * Trash empties * Tennis facility clear of debris on courts and surrounding grounds. * Take appropriate care of the stadium turf. * Baseball/Softball knowledge and execution for ...

Groundskeeper

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... sports event * Trash empties * Tennis facility clear of debris on courts and surrounding grounds. * Take appropriate care of the stadium turf. * Baseball/Softball knowledge and execution for ...

CDL Driver B

Petoskey, MI ยท On-site

$20.50 - $26/hr

... courses, sport fields and more. We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their business ... lighting, turf and landscape maintenance, hardscapes, nursery, and pest control supplies. At ...

CDL Driver B

Petoskey, MI

$20.50 - $26/hr

... courses, sport fields and more. We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their business ... lighting, turf and landscape maintenance, hardscapes, nursery, and pest control supplies. At ...

Sports Turf information

See Michigan salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do sports turf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports turf in Michigan is $15.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $17.40 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Turf jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Sports Turf jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Sports Turf job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,877 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty-Turfgrass Management (non-credit)

Macomb Community College

Clinton Township, MI โ€ข On-site

$65/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Campus - To be determined by department, MI
Job Type: Adjunct Non-Credit
Job Number: 202301173
Department: Dean Engineering & Technology
Division: WCE-EAT
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: NA
Salary Range: $65.00 per hour
Position Level: n/a
Working Hours and/or Working Conditions: HOURS: Hours are based on the needs of the department.WORKING CONDITIONS: Combination of classroom, lab, and field trips.Daytime, Evening, or Weekend may be required.Must be able to meet instruction deadlines and institutional reporting requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to teach and demonstrate practical skills in turf maintenance, equipment operation, irrigation, and pest management.Teaching experience at the college or vocational level.Experience managing golf course greens, athletic fields, or large-scale turf operations.Familiarity with modern turf technologies such as GPS sprayers, moisture meters, and automated irrigation systems.
Supervision: SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Director of Workforce Continuing Education-Engineering & Advanced Technology, takes direction from department administration. SUPERVISION GIVEN: May give direction to part-time lab staff as assigned.
Job Function
The Turfgrass Management Instructor will teach courses related to turfgrass science, sports turf maintenance, landscape management, and related horticultural practices. This role supports students preparing for careers in golf course management, athletic field maintenance, groundskeeping, and landscape industries.
Job Responsibilities
  • Teach lecture, lab, and field-based courses in Turf Management and related horticulture subjects.
  • Provide hands-on demonstrations in turf equipment operation, irrigation systems, pest management, and turf maintenance practices.
  • Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, career pathways, and industry certifications.
  • Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in turfgrass science and landscape management.
  • Industry certifications (e.g., Michigan Pesticide Applicator License, GCSAA membership).

Education
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, or Plant Science.
Qualifications
Ten years of experience working in the industry.
This position is not eligible for benefits.