1

Turf Care Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role involves ... care based on seasonal and event-related needs. The specialist works closely with other grounds ...

... turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role involves ... care based on seasonal and event-related needs. The specialist works closely with other grounds ...

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

Groundskeeper

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

Groundskeeper

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

Groundskeeper

Lake View Terrace, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

Groundskeeper

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This role supports daily course operations through routine turf care, landscaping, equipment operation, and attention to detail that ensures a safe, attractive, and high-quality playing environment ...

... turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role involves ... care based on seasonal and event-related needs. The specialist works closely with other grounds ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Turf Care information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$43

How much do turf care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for turf care in California is $21.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is turf care?

Turf care refers to the maintenance and management of grass surfaces, typically for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It involves tasks such as mowing, fertilizing, aerating, overseeding, pest management, and irrigation to ensure healthy, lush, and durable turf. Proper turf care helps promote aesthetic value, safety, and optimal performance for recreational or professional use. It may be performed by professional groundskeepers or homeowners, depending on the setting and requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in turf care, and why are they important?

To thrive in Turf Care, you need knowledge of turfgrass biology, soil science, and plant health, often supported by experience or formal training in horticulture or agronomy. Familiarity with turf maintenance equipment, irrigation systems, and pest management tools, as well as relevant certifications like a pesticide applicator license, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure healthy, visually appealing turf, efficient maintenance operations, and safe, sustainable landscapes.

What are some common challenges turf care professionals face during different seasons, and how can they prepare for them?

Turf Care professionals often face unique challenges depending on the season, such as managing drought stress in summer, preventing fungal diseases during wet periods, and preparing turf for dormancy in winter. To address these, it's important to stay proactive with irrigation planning, regular monitoring for pests and diseases, and adjusting fertilization schedules. Seasonal training and collaboration with the grounds team can help anticipate issues and implement effective maintenance strategies, ensuring healthy turf year-round.

What is the difference between Turf Care vs Lawn Maintenance Worker?

AspectTurf CareLawn Maintenance Worker
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Professional, pesticide licensesNone typically required, but some certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports fields, large commercial landscapesResidential lawns, small commercial properties
Job FocusMaintaining turf health, soil management, pest controlMowing, edging, basic lawn care tasks
Industry UsageGolf courses, sports complexes, landscape companiesResidential and small commercial landscaping

While both Turf Care and Lawn Maintenance Worker roles involve maintaining grass and landscapes, Turf Care typically requires specialized knowledge of turf health, soil management, and pest control, often with certifications. Lawn Maintenance Workers focus on routine tasks like mowing and edging, usually with less formal credentials. The industry usage overlaps but Turf Care is more specialized for large-scale or high-quality turf environments.

Is turf care a good career?

Turf care is a viable career that involves maintaining lawns, sports fields, and landscapes, often requiring knowledge of horticulture, equipment operation, and environmental conditions. It can offer steady employment, especially in regions with high demand for landscaping and sports facilities, with opportunities for certification and skill development. The work is typically outdoors and may involve physical labor and seasonal hours.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Turf Care job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,480 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Sports Turf Manager

BrightView

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


BrightView Landscapes rating

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


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.
It's Not Just a Team. It's One BrightView.

What BrightView Landscapes employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom