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Turf Manager Jobs in Preston, MN (NOW HIRING)

Turf Manager information

See Preston, MN salary details

$32.8K

$62.9K

$125.5K

How much do turf manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf manager in Preston, MN is $62,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $64,000.00 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 cities near Preston, MN are hiring for Turf Manager jobs?

Cities near Preston, MN with the most Turf Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Turf Manager job openings in Preston, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,928 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Lawn Care Technician-- Rochester, MN

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Rochester, MN • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,060 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Lawn Care Technician-- Rochester, MN
Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company
Locations: Rochester, MN
Additional Locations: NA
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 227032
Position Overview
We are currently looking to add a dynamic Lawn Care Technician to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors and you
get a new view every day! Some duties will include: mowing, trimming of planting beds, trees and shrubbery as needed. Apply fertilizers and other functions related to seasonal planting needs, provide job site cleanup as part of daily activities.
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open
exchanging of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in
horticultural and environmental services.
Job Duties
What You'll Do:
  • Cultivate your green career with us
  • Enhance the appearance and value of properties through the execution of daily grounds and turf maintenance
  • Properly plant, trim, mow, weed, mulch, fertilize and so much more
  • Learn to diagnose insect, disease, and cultural/environmental turf and shrub conditions
  • Maintain open communication with management and clients to provide feedback on property care needs
  • Drive, use, maintain and properly operate landscape equipment

Qualifications
What We're Looking For:
    • Love of the outdoors
    • Ability to complete the Davey landscape career development books
    • Ability to complete the Davey first aid, CPR and defensive driving course upon hire

Qualifications
  • High School education.
  • Minimum one year experience in landscaping and/or grounds maintenance preferred.
  • Experience as a crew member in landscape installations
  • Valid Driver's License is required. Class B, CDL valuable, but not required.
  • Bi-Lingual -Spanish, very valuable, but not required.

Additional Information
Competitive wages based on experience, starting at $22-28 per hour.
What We Offer: *
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
  • Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
  • Group Health Plan
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
  • Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
  • Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
  • Charitable matching gift program

*all listed benefits available to eligible employees
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchanging of ideas, community partnerships, a commitment to safety and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
We are currently looking to add a dynamic Plant Health Care Technician to our passionate team of tree care professionals. Your office is outdoors, and you get a new view every day!
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom