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Turf Management Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Join FieldTurf - the industry pioneer and trusted leader in synthetic turf solutions - as a Field ... Utilizing technology platforms including Outlook, Concur, and Field Service Lightning to manage ...

Join FieldTurf - the industry pioneer and trusted leader in synthetic turf solutions - as a Field ... Utilizing technology platforms including Outlook, Concur, and Field Service Lightning to manage ...

Join FieldTurf - the industry pioneer and trusted leader in synthetic turf solutions - as a Field ... Utilizing technology platforms including Outlook, Concur, and Field Service Lightning to manage ...

Join FieldTurf - the industry pioneer and trusted leader in synthetic turf solutions - as a Field ... Utilizing technology platforms including Outlook, Concur, and Field Service Lightning to manage ...

Join FieldTurf - the industry pioneer and trusted leader in synthetic turf solutions - as a Field ... Utilizing technology platforms including Outlook, Concur, and Field Service Lightning to manage ...

Golf Turf Laborers

Golf, IL ยท On-site

$10 - $18/hr

Position Title: Golf Turf Laborers Job Posting Closing Date: ***OPEN FILE RECRUITMENT ... Report equipment problems or failure to the equipment manager. * Wash, clean, and maintain ...

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Turf Management information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$62.3K

$124.2K

How much do turf management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf management in Chicago, IL is $62,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there money in turf management?

Turf management professionals can earn a competitive salary, especially with experience, certifications, and specialized skills such as pest control or irrigation. Salaries vary by region and employer, but the field offers opportunities for steady income and career advancement in landscape and golf course industries.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In turf management, high-paying roles such as landscape project managers or specialized agronomists can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and management responsibilities. These positions often require strong knowledge of turf science, equipment, and environmental conditions, but may not always require a formal degree if experience and skills are demonstrated. Most high-earning roles in this field involve overseeing large projects or teams and working in outdoor, physically demanding environments.

What is a Turf Management job?

A Turf Management job involves the care and maintenance of grass surfaces, such as sports fields, golf courses, and parks. Professionals in this field ensure turf health through mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and soil management. They may also be responsible for repairing damaged areas and implementing sustainable practices to enhance turf longevity. Turf managers often work for golf courses, sports teams, landscaping companies, or municipalities. The role requires knowledge of plant science, soil health, and equipment operation to maintain high-quality turf conditions.

What is the average salary of a turfgrass manager?

The average salary of a turfgrass manager typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Certification and knowledge of turf management tools can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Turf Management position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Turf Management, you need a solid knowledge of horticulture, soil science, pest control, and irrigation systems, usually backed by a relevant degree or certifications like Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM). Experience with turf maintenance equipment, GPS-guided mowers, and turf management software is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients and teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure healthy, visually appealing turf while effectively managing resources, people, and environmental concerns.

What are some typical daily responsibilities in a Turf Management role?

A typical day in Turf Management involves tasks such as inspecting and maintaining turf areas, monitoring soil and grass health, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and scheduling irrigation. You may also repair or operate specialized equipment, oversee landscaping crews, and ensure safety standards are followed. Collaboration with groundskeepers, facility managers, or clients is common to align maintenance activities with usage schedules and event needs. These responsibilities help keep sports fields, golf courses, and public green spaces in optimal condition year-round.

What jobs can I get with a turf management degree?

A turf management degree prepares individuals for roles such as golf course superintendent, sports turf manager, landscape manager, or groundskeeper. These jobs involve maintaining and designing turf environments, often requiring knowledge of soil science, pest control, and equipment operation, with certifications like the Certified Golf Course Superintendent being advantageous.
What are the most commonly searched types of Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL? For Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Turf Management jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Turf Management job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,317 per year, or $30 per hour.

Park Maintenance I Turf Technician

Park Dist of Highland Park

Highland Park, IL โ€ข On-site

$28.37 - $31.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Summary: Responsible for semi-skilled maintenance work for a system of public park and recreational areas.
Responsible for maintenance of athletic fields including equipment operation, irrigation systems and
inspection of athletic and park turf conditions, as well as the completion of routine and special projects as
assigned. Completes daily assignments, as directed by a Parks Manager and assigned by the Park
Maintenance Crew Leader. Other responsibilities include offering suggestions and recommendations to
improve job efficiency and quality, while following Park District policies and procedures, and completing
work in the best interests of the district.
Supervisory Responsibilities: May train and provide direction to other full-time, part-time and seasonal employees as assigned. Responsibilities may include providing input on employees' performance reviews.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Turf and Irrigation
  • Responsible for the upkeep of athletic fields, including but not limited to aerating, repairing worn out turf, top dressing, overseeding, fertilizing, and other general maintenance and care tasks.
  • Performs preventive maintenance and repairs to outdoor athletic fields and irrigation systems.
  • Measuring out and painting athletic field lines on sports fields.
  • Provide input in preparation of the operating budget for related material needs, including assessing equipment needs.
  • Work with managers to order and maintain inventory of turf and fertilizer supplies, grass seed, , topsoil, and irrigation supplies.
  • Maintain records of seed and organic fertilizer applications.
  • Perform turf maintenance, including aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, on turf throughout District outdoor properties.

Driving
  • On and off-road driving/operation of park district trucks of various sizes, including pulling a trailer.
  • Operate tractors with various implements.
  • Snow removal from all designated parking lots, sidewalks, roads, driveways and pedestrian paths.
  • Operation of light and heavy mechanical construction equipment.

Landscaping
  • Mowing park district turf using walk-behind and riding equipment.
  • Weed management including hand and mechanical control methods. The use of chemicals is restricted to limited situations.
  • Planting trees, shrubs and other landscape material.
  • Trimming trees and shrubs using hand tools, power equipment and lift equipment.
  • Horticulture and assist natural areas management including; propagation, seed collection, vegetation removal, controlled burning.

Parks/Facilities
  • Construction, repair and painting of park and playground equipment.
  • Assist in all phases of seasonal facility preparation and closing.
  • Removing all garbage and refuse materials from parks and playgrounds.
  • Inspect, repair, construct, and clean all park amenities.
  • Making and maintaining ice rinks.
  • Custodial work, including cleaning of kitchens, locker rooms, toilets and restroom areas.
  • Painting and finishing for various indoor and outdoor projects.
  • General asphalt repair: asphalt patching and striping.
  • General road repair: gravel road and parking lot maintenance.

Other
  • Communicate matters of departmental interest or importance to the Park Operations Manager or Parks Landscape Manager in a timely manner.
  • Maintenance of machinery and hand tools.
  • Attend seminars and workshops to provide professional growth.
  • Customer service; including addressing patron concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience: Two-year college associate's degree in landscaping, turf management, or related field or at least three (3) years specialized training and experience in landscape and turf management. Able to perform routine maintenance tasks of a semi-skilled nature. Knowledge of basic construction methods, drainage techniques, basic planting and care of landscape materials is required. Basic knowledge of trade skills, in at least one (1) of the building trades is preferred (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, masonry) for cross-training opportunities but not required. Familiarity with GIS/GPS mapping software and hardware preferred.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Use of grounds equipment, including, but not limited to, tractors, loaders, trucks, chainsaws, hand-operated pesticide applications equipment, lifts, woodchippers, snowblowers, power and hand tools.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to be flexible and learn new tasks.
  • Ability to work independently
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED
  • Valid driver's license
  • Must obtain and keep current with the State of Illinois Pesticide Operator License (be able to obtain within 6 months of hire)
  • Moderate proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel

Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:30 AM-3:00PM
Wage Range: $28.37-$31.21
Classification: Full-time, non-exempt
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance; reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is
occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
Working Conditions: The physical environment requires the employee to regularly work in outside weather conditions to
be exposed to hot and humid weather, wet conditions, and cold temperatures. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Employee will perform heavy manual labor. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electric shock. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.
Benefits:
โ€ข Medical Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO or PPO)
โ€ข Dental Insurance
โ€ข Vision Insurance
โ€ข 4 Weeks Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
โ€ข Company Paid Group Term Life Insurance
โ€ข Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
โ€ข Pension/Benefit Plan (IMRF)
โ€ข Deferred Compensation Plans
โ€ข Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
โ€ข Ten (10) Paid Federal Holidays
โ€ข Paid Vacation
โ€ข Three (3) Floating Holidays
โ€ข Twelve (12) Paid Sick Days
โ€ข Incentivized Wellness Program
โ€ข Health & Fitness Membership
โ€ข Outdoor Pool Membership and Seasonal Beach Access
โ€ข Program and Facility Discounts on a variety of recreational activities including Golf, Racquet Sports, and Ice Skating.
The Park District of Highland Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer