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Turf Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Landscape Account Manager

Naperville, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

... Manager to lead client relationships, drive enhancement sales, and ensure exceptional service ... The ideal candidate has a strong background in turf care, horticulture, and landscape maintenance ...

Turf & Plant Healthcare - learn the best IPM practices and about maintaining the highest quality of ... Recent graduates with associates or bachelor's degrees in Landscape Management, Horticulture ...

Showing results 41-60

Turf Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.5K

$62.3K

$124.1K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in Chicago, IL is $62,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $63,400.00 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 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:

Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,268 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Commercial Construction Project Manager (PjM) Job

Armstrong World Industries

Gilberts, IL โ€ข On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Primary location:ย Gilberts,ย Illinoisย 
Relocation offered:ย Noย 
Employment status:ย Full-Timeย 
Travel:ย 26%-50%ย 
Non-compete:ย Noย 

The estimated base salary range for this role is $91,500 to $137,260 per year. ย 
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

ย What does it mean to work at Turf Design, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

  • A benefits package including: medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, product discount programs and many more.
  • Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.
  • A casual work environment where we have a recognition program for our team, and service awards. You will also be able to make the most of our fitness center and lunchtime cafe.
  • A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results.ย 

Reporting to the General Manager, the Commercial Construction Project Manager (PjM) ensures the successful field execution and longterm performance of Turf and AS products by providing expert installation support, technical guidance, and field remediation for both standard and complex applications. Through handson problem solving, collaboration with internal teams and external partners, and delivery of installation best practices and training, the role reduces installation risk, improves field quality outcomes, and supports customer satisfaction while upholding Armstrong's standards for workmanship, safety, and product integrity.

What's in it for you

  • Influence best practices across contractors, distributors, and partners
  • Collaborate crossfunctionally with engineering, quality, and operations
  • Build strong industry relationships and trusted advisor status

What You'll Do

  • Provide technical consultation and handson field support to internal teams and external customers to ensure proper installation, performance, and longterm durability of Turf and AS product lines in both standard and complex applications.
  • Engage distributors, contractors, architects, and designers to support correct installation techniques, resolve constructability challenges, and influence adherence to best practices; review and interpret drawings and specifications to validate installation requirements.
  • Support and lead field remediation efforts onsite and remotely, documenting activities, tracking outcomes, and reporting field metrics; collaborate with Turf, quality, engineering, and operations teams to identify trends, resolve issues, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support nonstandard and custom field applications, including complex ceiling and wall systems, by advising on installation strategy, adapting standard methods, and validating solutions.
  • Perform and oversee refinishing, field modifications, and corrective work utilizing advanced detail carpentry and commercial ceiling and wall installation skills; contribute to troubleshooting, mockups, installation evaluations, and root cause analysis.
  • Participate in and support field remediation discussions and negotiations by providing technical insight and practical solutions that enable timely and effective resolution.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key industry partners; understand customer challenges and delivers installation training and guidance to improve field execution, reduce rework, and enhance product performance.

ย 

CrossFunctional Collaboration

  • Works closely with project management, sales, product engineering, quality, and operations to investigate and resolve customer complaints, field issues, and manufacturing claims.
  • Represents Turf in the field with professionalism, craftsmanship, and sound judgment, serving as a trusted technical resource and reinforcing commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Supports internal and external training efforts by demonstrating installation best practices and product application expertise in contractor and customerfacing environments.
  • Coordinates with other Company business units to align processes, share field insights, and promote consistent installation standards and best practices across the Armstrong family of companies.

ย ย 

What will make you successfulย 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal teams, customers, and external partners.
  • Demonstrated customer service focus, maintaining a professional, courteous, and solutionsoriented approach in both phone and inperson interactions.
  • Excellent organizational, timemanagement, and prioritization skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functional teams to resolve issues and achieve objectives.
  • Strong problemsolving, analytical, and criticalthinking skills, with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and exercise sound judgment in timesensitive or sensitive situations.
  • Technical aptitude with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and installation documentation; capable of clearly documenting findings, actions, and outcomes.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and general business software.
  • Ability to deliver practical guidance and training to customers, contractors, and internal teams in a clear and confident manner.
  • Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and willingness to support business needs, including travel and work outside of standard business hours as required.
  • Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and professional conduct in fieldbased environments.

ย 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  1. Office Environment - This position operates in a professional office environment and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. No PPE is required.
  2. Plant Environment - This position operates in a manufacturing setting and can be subject to extreme cold and hot temperatures; uneven walking surfaces with cords, tools, and other obstacles; intermittent loud noises; and dusty or dirty conditions. Required PPE includes Hard hat (when required), safety glasses, earplugs, steel toe/composite boots, and fall protection.
  3. Jobsite Environment: Frequent work in active construction zones. Conditions may include heat/cold, noise, uneven surfaces, and dust. Required PPE includes: high-visibility vest, gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, steel/composite toe boots, and fall protection when operating lifts.

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree or technical certification in construction management, architectural technology, carpentry, building systems, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent relevant field experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • High School Diploma/GED required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial construction, architectural products, ceiling and wall systems, or a related field environment, including handson installation support and field problem resolution.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading field installations, remediation, refinishing, or corrective work within commercial interior or architectural systems preferred.
  • Experience working directly with contractors, installers, distributors, architects, or designers in a customerfacing or technical advisory capacity preferred.

Travel: Approximately 25%-50% travel to out of state job sites.ย 

Why should you join Turf Design, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is anย Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions. With approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, AWI has about 3,700 employees and a manufacturing network of 21 facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable architectural solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

  • Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
  • Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
  • Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
  • Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
  • Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (Gilberts, IL)

Gilberts, Illinois is a growing village in Kane County, located along the I90 corridor near Elgin and within the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The community offers a balance of smalltown atmosphere and convenient access to major highways, making it an attractive location for both commuters and manufacturing operations. Gilberts is known for its expanding light industrial and manufacturing presence, strong community focus, and room for continued growth. With nearby residential communities, open space, and access to regional amenities, Gilberts provides a practical and appealing setting for professionals seeking stability, accessibility, and a collaborative work environment.

Armstrong is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. ย As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisitionย and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!

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