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Turf Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Tarkett Sports

Artificial Turf Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

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 ...

Tarkett

Artificial Turf Technician

Chicago, IL

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 ...

Tarkett

Artificial Turf Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsTurf JobsTurf Manager JobsTurf Manager Jobs in Illinois

Turf Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30.5K

$58.6K

$116.8K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in Illinois is $58,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

How much does a turf manager make?

A turf manager's average salary ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Advanced certifications and skills in turf management can lead to higher compensation. Many turf managers also work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to maintain sports fields, golf courses, or landscaping projects.

Is turf management a good career?

Turf management is a viable career for individuals interested in maintaining sports fields, golf courses, and landscapes, often requiring knowledge of horticulture, soil science, and pest control. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and specialization, with some positions requiring certifications or degrees. It can involve physical work outdoors and irregular hours depending on the season and project needs.
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Turf Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $58,573 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Technician II - Midwest Turf Management

Turf Masters Brands

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Midwest Turf Management, an ExperiGreen Lawn Care Company is now hiring Technician IIs for the Edwardsville, IL area. We are a locally owned and nationally supported lawn care company that provides a comprehensive list of lawn services. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart from our competitors. We strive to develop our people by building dynamic teams and creating a culture that supports opportunities from within. We know a large part of our success comes from developing and helping our team members reach their personal and professional goals.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Certification including being 21 years of age or older
  • Ability to obtain a category 3 HLT certification (Tennessee Only)
  • Satisfactory driving required (subject to review and approval by insurance company)
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screen and background check

Primary Responsibilities

  • Work as directed to support team members and goals of ExperiGreen
  • Fill and mix tankers according to fill charts
  • Prioritize and route work orders
  • Drive company vehicles defensively
  • Follow all pesticide safe-handling instructions
  • Treat lawn with products specific to turf type
  • Educate customers on additional services that will benefit them
  • Fill out customer invoices and correctly document products applied and target pests to lawns
  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Maintain vehicle and equipment
  • Keep mixing and loading areas clean and safe
  • Properly dispose of empty pesticide containers according to EPA regulations
  • Maintain a clean truck and shop work space

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Organized to ensure all procedures are done correctly
  • Time-management skills to ensure daily route is completed
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to read maps
  • Ability to lift up to 60 pounds regularly throughout the shift without assistance
  • Ability to understand hazard communication and follow safety instructions
  • Ability to wear proper safety equipment while performing duties

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and provide consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift

Benefits

  • Competitive salary plus generous commission plan
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life and More Insurance
  • 401k
  • 401k Matching
  • Sick Time
  • Two Weeks Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • NO SATURDAYS. (Depending on inclement weather and individual goals)

Supplemental pay types:

  • Commission pay

Work Location: IN- PERSON

Apply