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Turf Maintenance Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Groundskeeper

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Maintain grounds; including lawn areas, planting beds, sidewalks, parking lots, and streets ... Apply chemicals used in grounds keeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) * Perform ...

Groundskeeper

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Maintain grounds; including lawn areas, planting beds, sidewalks, parking lots, and streets ... Apply chemicals used in grounds keeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) * Perform ...

Assembler Interiors I

Cresco, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Measure, cut and install turf and rubber * Install in trailer (pre created) components * Positions ... Maintain a satisfactory high level of performance while following appropriate procedures and ...

Groundskeeper & Landscaper

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Apply pesticides and treatments to maintain healthy turf and landscaping. * Assist in maintaining existing landscaping designs and ensuring plant health and survival. * Plant and care for flowers ...

Groundskeeper & Landscaper

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Apply pesticides and treatments to maintain healthy turf and landscaping. * Assist in maintaining existing landscaping designs and ensuring plant health and survival. * Plant and care for flowers ...

Showing results 41-60

Turf Maintenance information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$29

$52

How much do turf maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for turf maintenance in Iowa is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $35.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is turf maintenance?

Turf maintenance refers to the care and management of grassy areas such as sports fields, golf courses, parks, and lawns. This job involves tasks like mowing, fertilizing, aerating, watering, and controlling weeds and pests to ensure the turf remains healthy, safe, and visually appealing. Professionals in turf maintenance use specialized equipment and apply knowledge of plant science to maintain optimal turf conditions throughout the year.

What are some typical challenges faced in a turf maintenance role, and how can they be managed?

Turf maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, pest infestations, and the need for precise irrigation. Managing these requires adaptability, regular monitoring, and a good understanding of soil science and plant health. Working closely with other grounds crew members and staying updated on the latest turf management techniques can help address issues quickly and maintain high-quality turf. Additionally, communicating with supervisors about equipment needs and scheduling ensures that maintenance is efficient and effective.

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

To thrive in Turf Maintenance, you need foundational knowledge of turfgrass science, landscaping practices, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Experience with specialized lawn care machinery, irrigation systems, and sometimes pesticide or fertilizer application certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for maintaining high-quality turf and collaborating with others. These skills and qualifications ensure healthy, visually appealing grounds and minimize costly mistakes or safety risks.

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

AspectTurf MaintenanceLawn Care Specialist
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Manager, pesticide licensesLicensed pesticide applicator, general horticulture knowledge
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports fields, large commercial landscapesResidential lawns, small commercial properties
Job FocusMaintaining turf health, aeration, fertilization, pest controlMowing, edging, fertilizing, weed control

While both roles involve lawn and turf care, Turf Maintenance typically focuses on large-scale, high-quality turf areas like golf courses and sports fields, requiring specialized certifications. Lawn Care Specialists usually work on residential or small commercial lawns, emphasizing routine mowing and basic fertilization. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their specific needs.

Is turf maintenance a good career?

Turf maintenance is a viable career that involves caring for lawns, sports fields, and landscapes, often requiring knowledge of horticulture, equipment operation, and environmental conditions. It can offer steady employment, physical activity, and opportunities for certification or specialization. Job prospects depend on location, industry demand, and individual skills.

What are popular job titles related to Turf Maintenance jobs in Iowa?

For Turf Maintenance jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Turf Maintenance job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,674 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Groundskeeper II - North Liberty

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$19.09/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Care for and maintain flower beds, plants, and shrubs, including watering, weeding, pruning, and removing dead blossoms.

  • Apply chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides, and maintain records of chemical usage.

  • Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment, calibrate sprayers and spreaders, and perform planting, seeding, transplanting, and plant health treatments.


University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

378th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
The University of Iowa Heath Care North Liberty Campus, Engineering Services is seeking a Groundskeeper II to care for and maintain flower beds, plants and shrubs, applies chemicals to grounds, plants, and shrubs; operates and maintains equipment and performs other labor required to landscape and maintain grounds. May provide functional supervision to groundskeeping personnel as required.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs all duties listed under Groundskeeper I.

  • Applies pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and insecticides using mechanized or hand equipment. Maintains records/maps of all areas sprayed and chemicals used and completes state records as required by state law.

  • Identifies turf, shrubbery, and flower problems and determines chemicals to use.

  • Calibrates sprayer/spreader equipment for appropriate dispersal rate of chemicals, mixes chemical solutions according to specifications.

  • Prepares seed beds and performs seeding, planting and transplanting, including flowers, trees and shrubs, and lawns.

  • Waters, weeds, hoes, sprays and removes dead blossoms in flower beds. Trims hedges and shrubs, digs up bulbs and transplants shrubs and trees; treats and controls plant diseases.

  • Supervises the operation of a greenhouse; submits requisitions for seeds and supplies; germinates seedling plants, roots, cuttings and otherwise grows plants for the campus.

  • May assign, coordinate and review the work of other groundskeeping personnel.

Schedule: 100%
Hourly: $19.09 to commensurate
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am-3:30pm, on call to be scheduled during inclement weather
Location: Medical Center North Liberty
Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits
The new University of Iowa Health Care - North Liberty Campus is a 469,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility serving as the home of UI Health Care's nationally recognized Orthopedics service line. It offers coordinated, comprehensive, and accessible care across outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings.
In addition to world-class orthopedic care, the campus features a full-service community imaging center, laboratory services, physical therapy, a retail pharmacy, an emergency department, and a wide range of support services. Every element of the facility is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional experience for patients and staff, support excellence in clinical care, education, and research, and foster meaningful community partnerships.
UI Health Care is building a welcoming, skilled, and collaborative team to help launch this innovative campus and advance our mission: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
Qualifications
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
  • Two years of experience operating the machinery and tools used in grounds work or any combination of related experience and education from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired which totals two years.

  • Must have successfully completed commercial certification tests (30T-Ornamental and Turf) for application of pesticides and be eligible to be certified. May be required to successfully complete other commercial certification tests as required.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. For questions, contact MCNL-HR@uiowa.edu

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