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Turf Manager Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate ... Use turf equipment and irrigation systems and can troubleshoot issues. Follow all safety policies ...

Comcast

Xfinity Sales Professional

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$41K/mo

Creates and executes turf management plans without assistance, utilizes experience-based sales technique, operates independently. * Shows confidence in selling ability. * Displays competent time ...

BrightView

Landscaper (Lafayette, IN )

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Cut turf using various sized power mowers, trimming, and edging using a gas-powered edger/trimmer ... Report unsafe conditions to Crew Leader or Production Manager as appropriate Education and ...

Castongia Tractor Fowler

Ag Tech/ Diesel Mechanic

Fowler, IN · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Proficient in conducting complex diagnostics and repairs on agricultural and turf equipment, including John Deere's Ag Management Solutions (AMS) products. * Technical Proficiency : Expertise in ...

Castongia Tractor Fowler

Ag Tech/ Diesel Mechanic

Fowler, IN · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Proficient in conducting complex diagnostics and repairs on agricultural and turf equipment, including John Deere's Ag Management Solutions (AMS) products. * Technical Proficiency : Expertise in ...

Castongia Tractor Fowler

Ag Tech/ Diesel Mechanic

Fowler, IN · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Proficient in conducting complex diagnostics and repairs on agricultural and turf equipment, including John Deere's Ag Management Solutions (AMS) products. * Technical Proficiency : Expertise in ...

All JobsTurf JobsTurf Manager JobsTurf Manager Jobs in Lafayette, IN

Turf Manager information

See Lafayette, IN salary details

$30.4K

$58.3K

$116.1K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in Lafayette, IN is $58,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $59,300.00 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.
More about Turf Manager jobs

What job categories do people searching Turf Manager jobs in Lafayette, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Turf Manager jobs in Lafayette, IN are:

What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Turf Manager jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Turf Manager job openings:

Turf Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Lafayette, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,157 per year, or $28 per hour.

Sports Turf Technician

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the maintenance and operations of athletic fields and surrounding grounds.

  • Formulate and implement turfgrass maintenance schedules, manage chemical and fertilizer applications, and troubleshoot turf equipment issues.

  • Oversee and manage grounds maintenance crews, coordinate field preparations, and assist with game day operations.

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Sports Turf Technician
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance and operations of all Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletic fields and surrounding grounds areas.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Formulate and implement proper turfgrass maintenance schedules and management practices, to include recognizing, identifying and treating turfgrass insects and diseases that could damage the quality of athletic turf. Responsible for application of fertilizer and chemicals for athletic facility sites. Formulate fertilizers and chemical spread formulas used in turfgrass maintenance. Assist with game day operations for all outdoor athletic events. Assist Sports Turf Crew Chief with special projects. Work under the supervision of the Sports Turf Crew Chief.
  • Assist in creating annual maintenance & fertility weekly duties calendars, then independently follows them throughout the year to promote, monitor and maintain health of assigned areas. Work independently on special projects assigned by Sports Turf Crew Chief.
  • Occasionally manage and/or supervise grounds maintenance crews with field preparations. Coordinate painting/fertilizing and cultural practices for all game and practice fields. Assign and manage crews responsible for aerifying, topdressing and sod work. Paint lines and logos for sporting events and can troubleshoot issues. Oversee multiple assigned student employees.
  • Use of a variety of specialized machinery, including boom sprayer, reel mowers, utility tractor, skid steer, topdressors, seeders, paint lining equipment and irrigation systems. Use turf equipment and irrigation systems and can troubleshoot issues. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain working inventory of all materials used; accurate allocation of chemicals in keeping with EPA standards; ensures proper inventory records to plan for purchase of chemicals, fertilizers, paint and maintenance supplies. Keep detailed history of turf maintenance, chemical/fertility logs, paint logs for historical reference or review of BMPs.
  • Respond to coaches needs and advise to ensure accuracy and understanding of all details. Make recommendations for improvement. Develop turfgrass maintenance tools applicable to the sport program area(s). Maintain awareness of current and emerging technologies related to field maintenance and communication. Relay sport program information and explain processes correctly to coaches, administrators and staff. Work closely with coaching staffs and other athletic department staff members for practices and events.

About Us:
Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue's 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together-where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more: Purdue Boilermakers Athletics
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • Two or four-year degree in turf science or related field preferred.
  • Three years of sports turf experience required.

Skills needed:
  • Preferably, will have a two or four year degree in turf science or related field and possess three or more years of sports turf experience
  • Must have obtained Category 3B pesticide license
  • Routinely demonstrate organizational and time management skills to meet strict deadlines
  • Ability to communicate and adhere to OSHA, University, Big Ten Conference, and NCAA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations is necessary
  • Must participate in continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, correspondence courses and trade shows
  • Maintains an awareness of current and new technologies, procedures, products that could improve the quality of athletic fields
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.
  • HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 50 to 80 lbs. frequently, and up to 100+ lbs.

Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
  • Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream
Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 2
Pay Band S040
Job Code#20003768
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
EOE
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university

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