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Turf Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Crew lead experience is a plus Why Turf Tech? Growth Opportunities Many of our crew leads and managers started in entry-level field positions. Turf Tech believes in promoting from within and helping ...

Crew lead experience is a plus Why Turf Tech? Growth Opportunities Many of our crew leads and managers started in entry-level field positions. Turf Tech believes in promoting from within and helping ...

Crew lead experience is a plus Why Turf Tech? Growth Opportunities Many of our crew leads and managers started in entry-level field positions. Turf Tech believes in promoting from within and helping ...

$40 - $125/hr

Formal education in Turf Management or a related field, or progressive experience in the golf industry will also be considered* Supervisory experience with a golf course management team of at least 4 ...

New

Golf Course Superintendent

Bardstown, KY · On-site

$22.16 - $33.24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate of a college or university with an associate degree in plant science, turf management or a related field. EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: One year experience as a Golf Course Assistant ...

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pape' Machinery, a premier capital equipment dealer in the West, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced General Manager to lead our Agriculture & Turf division in the Southern Oregon region.

$110 - $125/hr

A degree in Turf Management or a related field, and supervisory experience required with a minimum of 10 years prior golf course experience with progressive responsibility. Must hold a State ...

New

Lawn Care Tech

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excellent time-management skills, and the ability to prioritize and multi-task * The ability to be ... Capacity to be a self-starterand follow-up * Great tree, shrub, weed/turf grass, and plant ...

Lawn Care Tech

Lexington, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Excellent time-management skills, and the ability to prioritize and multi-task * The ability to be ... Capacity to be a self-starter and follow-up * Great tree, shrub, weed/turf grass, and plant ...

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Showing results 1-20

Turf Manager information

See Kentucky salary details

$27.4K

$52.5K

$104.7K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in Kentucky is $52,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $53,400.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Turf Manager jobs in Kentucky?

For Turf Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Turf Manager jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Turf Manager jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Turf Manager jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Turf Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,499 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Sports Turf Student Worker

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Sports Turf Student Worker Requisition Number DU13852 Department Name 12H00:UKAA - Operations Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $12.00 per hour Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education
None required.
Required Related Experience
None required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
None required.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to life 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.
Shift
Days, Weekends.
More specific scheduling details will be discussed during interviews.
Job Summary
To assist the Sports Turf Manager in working on athletics fields, including push mowing, weed eating, weeding flower beds, maintenance of athletics fields, standing for long periods of time, working in adverse weather conditions (rain, heat, snow). Must be able to work weekends.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
None required.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience
None required.
Deadline to Apply 08/31/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865