ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Turf Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bolingbrook Park District

ParkMaintPT

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Description Park Maintenance PT Requirements JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the NR, Horticulture & Turf Manager, or designated supervisor, the Park Maintenance staff will perform day to day ...

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

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 ...

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 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 ...

Provo

Golf Turf Laborers

Golf, IL · 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTurf JobsTurf Manager JobsTurf Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Turf Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$62.3K

$124.2K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager 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.

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.

How much money does a turf manager make?

A turf manager typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Advanced certifications and skills in turf maintenance and landscaping can lead to higher salaries.

How much do NFL turf managers make?

NFL turf managers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and team size. They are responsible for maintaining high-quality playing surfaces, often working during evenings and weekends, and may require specialized knowledge of turf management and equipment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as top executives (CEOs, CFOs), specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain senior management positions in large corporations, highly experienced professionals in finance or law, and successful business owners often reach this income level, especially with bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

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.

Is there money in turf management?

Turf management can be a financially rewarding career, especially for experienced professionals working in golf courses, sports fields, or landscape companies. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and certifications, with entry-level positions typically paying lower than specialized or managerial roles. Skilled turf managers who oversee large or high-profile properties often earn higher wages and may have opportunities for advancement.
More about Turf Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Turf jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Turf jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Turf Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Turf Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turf Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Turf Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Turf Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Turf Manager job openings:
Turf Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% 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 • On-site

$28.37 - $31.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 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:
• Medical Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO or PPO)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 4 Weeks Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Company Paid Group Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Pension/Benefit Plan (IMRF)
• Deferred Compensation Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
• Ten (10) Paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Three (3) Floating Holidays
• Twelve (12) Paid Sick Days
• Incentivized Wellness Program
• Health & Fitness Membership
• Outdoor Pool Membership and Seasonal Beach Access
• 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

Apply