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Turf Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt University

Turf Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Sports Turf Specialist is part of the Facilities Grounds team in the Maintenance and Operations ... Perform daily visual inspections of all assigned areas. Assist in field and facility preparation ...

Biltmore Company

$16.32/hr

In addition, staff will assist with special projects and events as required. Essential Job Duties 1. Mow and trim turf areas using push and small riding mowers. Use of string and blade trimmer ...

Landscapes USA

Lawn Care Technician

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of turf and ornamental care, chemical applications, and ... Maintain accurate application records as required * Assist with or supervise spray crews when ...

LUSA HOLDINGS

Lawn Care Technician

La Vergne, TN

$16.50 - $21/hr

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of turf and ornamental care, chemical applications, and ... Maintain accurate application records as required * Assist with or supervise spray crews when ...

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How much do turf assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for turf assistant in Tennessee is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $22.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Turf Assistants face during peak maintenance seasons?

Turf Assistants often encounter increased workloads during peak seasons, such as spring and summer, when grass and plant growth are at their highest. Managing multiple tasks like mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control within tight timelines can be demanding. Additionally, adapting to changing weather conditions and ensuring equipment is maintained and operational adds to the complexity of the role. Effective communication with supervisors and groundskeeping teams is essential to prioritize tasks and maintain high-quality turf standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Turf Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Turf Assistant, you need a foundational knowledge of turf management, horticulture, and basic groundskeeping practices, often supported by a relevant certificate or experience in landscaping. Familiarity with turf maintenance equipment, irrigation systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure well-maintained, safe, and visually appealing grounds that meet the standards of sports facilities or public spaces.

What are Turf Assistants?

Turf Assistants are professionals who help maintain and care for grass surfaces, such as those found on golf courses, sports fields, or parks. They work under the supervision of turf managers or superintendents and assist with mowing, watering, fertilizing, pest control, and turf repair. Their role is essential for ensuring that turf areas remain healthy, safe, and visually appealing for recreational or sports use. Turf Assistants may also operate specialized equipment and contribute to the overall maintenance schedule. The position often requires physical labor and knowledge of basic horticultural practices.

What is the difference between Turf Assistant vs Groundskeeper?

AspectTurf AssistantGroundskeeper
CertificationsOften requires pesticide application licenses, turf management certificationsMay require general groundskeeping or landscaping certifications
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports fields, turf farmsPublic parks, school grounds, commercial landscapes
Job DutiesAssisting with turf maintenance, mowing, fertilizing, irrigationMaintaining lawns, planting, trimming, general landscape upkeep

The Turf Assistant primarily focuses on supporting turf-specific tasks in specialized environments like golf courses and sports fields, often requiring turf management certifications. Groundskeepers have a broader role in maintaining various outdoor spaces, including parks and commercial landscapes, with a wider range of landscaping duties. Both roles are essential for outdoor maintenance but differ in scope and specialized skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Turf jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Turf jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Turf Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Turf Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turf Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Turf Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Turf Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Turf Assistant job openings:
Turf Assistant jobs near you
Turf Specialist

Turf Specialist

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
The Sports Turf Specialist is part of the Facilities Grounds team in the Maintenance and Operations Department at Vanderbilt University. The Sports Turf Specialist work to support the Grounds Department in general and the Athletic Field group specifically. Under the direction of the Sports Turf Manager, this position functions within the day-to-day operation of the Sports Turf maintenance crew in activities generally associated with athletic turf care/maintenance which include but are not limited to; mowing, preparation of game/practice surfaces to comply with NCAA regulations and individual head coach preferences, string trimming, edging, hardscape maintenance, turf blowing and/or vacuuming, general clean up and litter removal, irrigation/drainage repairs and installation, pruning and weeding of landscape, oversight of repair/replacement of turfgrass including sodding, topdressing, verti-cutting, aerification, and seeding. Perform daily visual inspections of all assigned areas. Assist in field and facility preparation for all NCAA sporting events and facility events. Communicate with the Sports Field Manager, Athletic Department Facilities staff, and operations staff to ensure that all daily requirements are met. Maintains professional education and development through local and national organizations.
About the Work Unit:
Facilities Department provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. The Facilities department is comprised of Campus Planning & Construction, Maintenance and Operations, the Business Operations Center and Real Estate.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Complete the directives and instructions of the Sports Field Manager to provide care and maintenance to the natural and artificial athletic competition surfaces
  • Ability and knowledge of sport field specific practices such as soil compaction management and turfgrass recovery in the transition zone
  • Ability to recognize and report common weeds, turf disease, soil fertility and other issues which might occur in athletic turf
  • Ability and knowledge required to competently operate machinery used in athletic field turf care, including but not limited to reel mowers, rotary mowers, string trimmers, blowers, push mowers, backpack blowers, fertilizer spreaders, spray equipment and hand tools
  • Ability and knowledge to complete minor irrigation repairs such as replacing, reorienting or re-nozzeling rotary sprinkler heads
  • Provide game day support for athletic matches and competitions
  • Provide facility support for events held on fields including but not limited to concerts, commencement and special events scheduled through the athletic department
  • Assist with landscape upkeep of areas adjacent to or incorporated within stadiums and practice fields
  • Work with a crew of 2-5 individuals on a regular basis
  • Perform tasks necessary to respond to winter weather conditions including outside of normal working hours
  • Operate a walk behind paint machine and/or robotic paint machine
  • Knowledge of NCAA playing surface measurements and regulations as well as general NCAA and SEC rules and regulations
  • Lining and painting of all fields per NCAA regulations
  • Knowledge and ability to properly calibrate spreaders and sprayers
  • Ability and skill to safely spray athletic fields and other turfgrass surfaces
  • Ability to assist the Sports Field Manager in chemical application record keeping and chemical inventory
  • Ability to assist the Sports Field Manager through communication with the site-specific athletic department representative
  • Knowledge and proficient skills in maintenance and repair of synthetic turf
  • Knowledge and proficient skills in sod work on natural Turfgrass fields
  • Analyzes problems and develops alternative solutions
  • Strong organizational skills, planning, and prioritization skills
  • Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Sports Field Manager
Education and Certifications:
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management or a related field.
  • Equivalent experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • Valid Tennessee Drivers License or equivalent from another state.
  • Possess or be able to attain a Tennessee Pesticide Applicators License within 3 months of starting employment
  • Possess membership(s) in local, state and national Sport and Turfgrass professional associations

Experience and Skills:
  • One to three years of Athletic turfgrass experience
  • Knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules and regulations
  • Extensive knowledge of both warm season and cool season turfgrasses in the transition zone
  • Basic communication and computer skills preferred.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift as at least 70 lbs

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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