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Turf Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BrightView

Sports Turf Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

The specialist works closely with other grounds crews, coaches, and facility managers to ensure ... Monitor turf health and implement pest, weed, and disease control measures. * Repair worn or ...

BrightView

Sports Turf Supervisor

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

... turf fields to ensure safe, playable, and aesthetically pleasing conditions. This role involves ... The specialist works closely with other grounds crews, coaches, and facility managers to ensure ...

sycuan

Greenskeeper II

El Cajon, CA

$14.50 - $19/hr

You'll be at the heart of delivering pristine playing conditions by combining skilled craftsmanship with advanced turf management techniques. From perfectly striped fairways to championship-ready ...

Sycuan

Greenskeeper II

El Cajon, CA

$14.50 - $19/hr

You'll be at the heart of delivering pristine playing conditions by combining skilled craftsmanship with advanced turf management techniques. From perfectly striped fairways to championship-ready ...

Sycuan

Greenskeeper II

El Cajon, CA

$14.50 - $19/hr

You'll be at the heart of delivering pristine playing conditions by combining skilled craftsmanship with advanced turf management techniques. From perfectly striped fairways to championship-ready ...

Sycuan

Greenskeeper II

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

You'll be at the heart of delivering pristine playing conditions by combining skilled craftsmanship with advanced turf management techniques. From perfectly striped fairways to championship-ready ...

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All JobsTurf JobsTurf Manager JobsTurf Manager Jobs in California

Turf Manager information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$59.7K

$118.9K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in California is $59,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Turf Manager vs Groundskeeper?

AspectTurf ManagerGroundskeeper
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Professional, pesticide licensesNone typically required, some may have pesticide licenses
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports fields, large landscapesPublic parks, school grounds, sports fields
ResponsibilitiesOversees turf health, manages staff, plans maintenanceMaintains grounds, mows, trims, basic landscaping
Industry UsageCommon in golf courses, sports complexesFound in municipal parks, schools, small sports facilities

The Turf Manager typically has specialized certifications and oversees large-scale turf operations, focusing on turf health and staff management. Groundskeepers perform routine grounds maintenance with less specialization, often working in smaller or municipal settings. While both roles involve turf and landscape care, Turf Managers hold more advanced credentials and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges turf managers face when maintaining sports fields or golf courses, and how are they addressed?

Turf Managers often contend with challenges such as weather variability, pest infestations, and heavy foot traffic, all of which can impact turf health and appearance. To address these, managers use a combination of strategic irrigation, integrated pest management, and regular aeration and overseeding practices. Collaboration with grounds crews and facility managers is also crucial to coordinate maintenance schedules and respond quickly to issues. Staying current with advancements in turfgrass science and technology helps Turf Managers implement the most effective solutions and maintain high-quality playing surfaces.

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

To thrive as a Turf Manager, you need expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, pest control, and a background in horticulture or agronomy, often supported by relevant certifications such as Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM). Familiarity with irrigation systems, turf maintenance equipment, and turf management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help manage teams and interact with stakeholders effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy, high-quality turf surfaces that meet safety and aesthetic standards for sports fields, golf courses, or other managed landscapes.

Is turf management a good career?

Turf management is a viable career that involves maintaining sports fields, golf courses, and landscapes, requiring knowledge of horticulture, soil science, and pest control. It offers opportunities for employment in recreational, athletic, and landscaping industries, often requiring certifications and physical work outdoors. The field can provide steady employment and the chance to work in environmentally focused settings.

What is a turf manager?

A turf manager maintains the turf used on a golf course or sporting field. As a turf manager, your responsibilities are to repair damage, restore the field, regulate pest control, and create a safe space for athletes to play. Other duties include creating a schedule for field use and overseeing a maintenance crew, as well as determining if any changes must be made to the field. In this role, you also mow, aerate, top dress, irrigate, and fertilize the turf. Turf management requires a love for and knowledge of the sport you are supporting.

What does a turf manager do?

A Turf Manager is responsible for the maintenance and care of grass surfaces, such as those found on golf courses, sports fields, parks, and other landscaped areas. Their duties include mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and controlling pests and weeds to ensure healthy and aesthetically pleasing turf. Turf Managers also manage staff, oversee equipment maintenance, and often develop management plans to keep the turf in optimal condition year-round. They may also be involved in budgeting and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
More about Turf Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Turf jobs in California? The most popular types of Turf jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Turf Manager jobs in California? For Turf Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turf Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Turf Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Turf Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Turf Manager job openings:
Turf Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,654 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Sports Turf Manager

BrightView

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

BrightView Landscapes rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 90 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.

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