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Turf Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chalet

Landscape Management Trainee

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Turf & Plant Healthcare - learn the best IPM practices and about maintaining the highest quality of ... Environmental Science, Plant & Soil Science, Forestry, Landscape Design or related discipline.

Chalet

Landscape Management Trainee

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Turf & Plant Healthcare - learn the best IPM practices and about maintaining the highest quality of ... Environmental Science, Plant & Soil Science, Forestry, Landscape Design or related discipline.

Palatine Park District

Personal Trainer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

High School diploma/GED or equivalent, associate degree preferred in exercise science or related ... Free open gym/turf and walking track The pay range for this role $30- $32/hour. If you are ready to ...

Palatine Park District

Personal Trainer

Palatine, IL

$30 - $32/hr

High School diploma/GED or equivalent, associate degree preferred in exercise science or related ... Free open gym/turf and walking track The pay range for this role $30- $32/hour. If you are ready to ...

Troon

Golf Course Superintendent

Lake Zurich, IL

Supervises the planting and cultural practices involved in growing various turf grasses, trees and ... science). Physical Demands: Regularly stands, walks and sits. Regularly uses hands, reaches with ...

Troon Golf

Golf Course Superintendent

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

Supervises the planting and cultural practices involved in growing various turf grasses, trees and ... science). Physical Demands: Regularly stands, walks and sits. Regularly uses hands, reaches with ...

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All JobsTurf Science JobsTurf Science Jobs in Illinois

Turf Science information

See Illinois salary details

$30.5K

$58.6K

$116.8K

How much do turf science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for turf science in Illinois is $58,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $59,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Turf Science?

Turf Science is the study and management of grasses and related plants used for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, parks, and other landscapes. It involves understanding plant physiology, soil science, pest management, and environmental impacts to maintain healthy, resilient turf. Professionals in turf science work to develop sustainable practices for turfgrass establishment, maintenance, and repair, ensuring safe and attractive green spaces for recreation and aesthetics.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In turf science, high-paying roles such as senior turf managers, sports field consultants, or specialized agronomists can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working on large projects or professional sports facilities. These positions often require advanced knowledge of soil management, turf maintenance, and environmental conditions, along with strong technical skills and industry credentials.

What does a turf scientist do?

A turf scientist researches and develops methods to improve the health, quality, and sustainability of turfgrass used on sports fields, golf courses, and landscapes. They analyze soil, water, and plant health, often using laboratory and field testing, and may recommend fertilization, irrigation, and pest management strategies. The role typically requires knowledge of plant science, soil science, and environmental conditions, along with skills in data analysis and fieldwork.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In turf science or related fields, high-paying roles such as turf management consultants or specialized agronomists can reach or exceed $10,000 per month with extensive experience and industry expertise, often without requiring a formal degree. These roles typically rely on practical skills, certifications, and a strong professional reputation rather than formal education. Other high-paying jobs in related industries may include sales, technical consulting, or entrepreneurship, which depend on skills and performance rather than degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Turf Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Turf Scientist, you need a solid background in plant science, soil science, and turf management, usually supported by a degree in turfgrass science or agronomy. Familiarity with tools like soil analysis kits, irrigation systems, and turf management software, as well as certifications such as Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), is highly valuable. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you address turf challenges and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies ensure optimal turf health, sustainability, and safety in sports, recreational, and commercial landscapes.

What are some common challenges Turf Science professionals face when managing sports fields or golf courses?

Turf Science professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing optimal turf health with heavy usage, managing pest and disease outbreaks, and adapting to changing weather patterns. They must also stay current with environmental regulations and ensure sustainable use of water and fertilizers. Collaboration with grounds crews, facility managers, and sometimes local authorities is essential to maintain playing surfaces that meet both safety and aesthetic standards.

What can you do with a turfgrass science degree?

A turfgrass science degree prepares individuals for careers in managing and maintaining sports fields, golf courses, parks, and lawns. Graduates often work as turf managers, agronomists, or research specialists, utilizing skills in soil science, plant biology, and pest management, often requiring certifications and knowledge of turf management tools. These roles typically involve outdoor work and adherence to environmental and safety standards.

What is the difference between Turf Science vs Turf Management?

AspectTurf ScienceTurf Management
Education & CertificationsTypically requires a degree in turf science, agronomy, or related fields; certifications in turf management are commonOften requires a degree or diploma in turf management, horticulture, or related areas; certifications like GCSAA are beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, product development, and testing facilitiesGolf courses, sports fields, parks, and landscape maintenance sites
Primary FocusResearch, development, and scientific study of turfgrass biology and soil healthPractical application of turfgrass maintenance, mowing, fertilization, and pest control

While Turf Science focuses on research and development of turfgrass and soil health, Turf Management emphasizes the practical maintenance and care of turf in various settings. Both roles require related education and certifications but serve different aspects of the turf industry.

What are popular job titles related to Turf Science jobs in Illinois? For Turf Science jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turf Science jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Turf Science jobs in Illinois are:
Turf Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turf Science job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,573 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Landscape Health & Water Manager

FOCAL POINTE OF ST LOUIS LLC

Caseyville, IL

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Ready to Turn Your Passion for Plants Into a Career?

Are you graduating with a degree in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, environmental science, turf management, soil and water science, or a related field?
Do you enjoy being outdoors, solving problems, and seeing the direct impact of your work every day?
Have you ever looked at a landscape and immediately noticed what it needs to thrive?

If so, Focal Pointe in Caseyville, IL wants to meet you!

Start Your Career as a Landscape Health & Water Manager

At Focal Pointe, we believe healthy landscapes start with passionate people who care about plant health, sustainability, irrigation, and continuous improvement. We are looking for an entry-level to early-career Landscape Health & Water Manager to join our growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants hands-on experience in horticulture, irrigation management, plant health care, and commercial landscape operations while building a long-term career in the landscaping industry.

You will work alongside experienced professionals, gain real-world field experience, and play a key role in maintaining beautiful commercial properties.

This is not a desk job. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being outside, solving problems, walking properties, identifying opportunities for improvement, and making a visible impact every single day.

In this role, your days will be spent visiting commercial client properties, evaluating overall landscape health, monitoring irrigation performance, identifying potential plant or water management concerns before they become larger issues, and helping create solutions that improve the appearance and long-term success of the landscape.

You will regularly walk sites, inspect plant material and turf conditions, review irrigation coverage and run times, document findings, write reports and recommendations, and communicate with both customers and internal teams. If you enjoy variety, critical thinking, and hands-on work where no two days are exactly the same, this could be an excellent fit.

 What You’ll Be Doing

As a Landscape Health & Water Manager, you will:

  • Conduct landscape and irrigation audits to evaluate overall plant health and site appearance
  • Monitor irrigation systems and adjust watering schedules based on seasonal needs and plant types
  • Identify turf, pest, disease, irrigation, and plant health concerns
  • Learn and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
  • Recommend improvements that help landscapes thrive
  • Generate reports and communicate recommendations to internal teams and customers
  • Partner with Account Managers and Repair Technicians to communicate findings and solutions
  • Support newly installed landscapes through proper establishment and ongoing care
  • Help ensure every property looks healthy, polished, and professionally maintained
  • Take ownership of overall water management and plant health on assigned sites
 This Role Could Be a Great Fit If You:
  • Love working outdoors instead of sitting behind a desk all day
  • Enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Are passionate about plants, irrigation, sustainability, or horticulture
  • Want a career where no two days look exactly the same
  • Notice details others may overlook
  • Are motivated, curious, and eager to learn
  • Can confidently communicate recommendations and findings
  • Want growth opportunities within a company
 Preferred Background

We welcome recent graduates and early-career professionals with backgrounds in:

  • Horticulture
  • Plant Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Turfgrass Management
  • Agriculture
  • Landscape Management
  • Soil & Water Science
  • Related programs

Experience through internships, campus projects, landscaping work, greenhouse work, irrigation experience, or coursework is highly valued.

 Qualifications
  • Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered
  • 1–3 years of horticulture, irrigation, or landscape management experience preferred
  • Knowledge of plant health, irrigation systems, pest and disease identification, and seasonal plant care
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Self-starter with strong attention to detail
  • Valid Driver’s License with approved driving record
 Physical Requirements

This role involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and includes walking large properties, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs., and performing hands-on inspections and evaluations.

 Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $20–24/hour

In addition, we offer:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Generous paid time off
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities
  • Hands-on industry training
  • A supportive team environment
  • And more
 Interested in Growing Your Career?

Send your resume along with a short note about why you are interested in joining our Caseyville Focal Pointe Team to:

Recruiting@yourfocalpointe.com

Apply