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Turfgrass Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

The course is designed to provide students in the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program with practical, in-depth knowledge and skill development related to the operation, maintenance, and safe use ...

Bams Landscaping

Turfgrass Specialist

Kensington, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

BAM'S Landscaping & Lawn Care is currently seeking a Turfgrass Specialist to join our growing team. Responsibilities: * Calibration of equipment. * Continuing education/training. * Pesticide ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The successful candidate will specialize in turfgrass science and bring expertise that complements and enhances the strengths of the current faculty. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to ...

BAM's Landscaping

Turfgrass Specialist

Kensington, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

BAM'S Landscaping & Lawn Care is currently seeking a Turfgrass Specialist to join our growing team. Responsibilities: * Calibration of equipment. * Continuing education/training. * Pesticide ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$16/hr

Collect, record, and organize data related to turfgrass growth, physiology, stress responses, and environmental conditions. * Assist graduate student inthe construction and upkeep of research ...

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How much do turfgrass jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for turfgrass in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in turfgrass management?

Professionals in turfgrass management often face challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, pest infestations, and maintaining optimal turf health under heavy use or variable budgets. Additionally, they must balance environmental considerations, such as water conservation and chemical usage, with the demands for high-quality playing surfaces. Effective problem-solving, staying up-to-date with industry best practices, and collaborating closely with grounds teams and facility managers are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying proactive with maintenance and monitoring helps ensure turf areas remain safe and attractive year-round.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the turfgrass position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Turfgrass Specialist role, you typically need knowledge of turfgrass science, soil management, and plant pathology, supported by a degree in turfgrass management, horticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with equipment such as aerators, mowers, irrigation systems, and certifications like Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this profession. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining high-quality turf, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with grounds crews to ensure safe and visually appealing landscapes.

What is a turfgrass?

A Turfgrass job involves the cultivation, maintenance, and management of grass used for sports fields, golf courses, parks, and lawns. Professionals in this field ensure healthy turf through proper mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and soil management. They may work as turfgrass managers, golf course superintendents, or sports field technicians. The role often requires knowledge of plant science, turfgrass diseases, and environmental conditions to maintain high-quality playing surfaces and landscapes.

More about Turfgrass jobs
What cities are hiring for Turfgrass jobs? Cities with the most Turfgrass job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Turfgrass jobs? The most popular types of Turfgrass jobs are:
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Turfgrass jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turfgrass job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,238 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Turfgrass Research Scientist

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Turfgrass Research Scientist
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a Turfgrass Research Scientist to help advance nationally recognized turfgrass program focused on athletic field safety, golf course management, sports turf performance, turfgrass adaptation, and sustainable management practices.
This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research, laboratory work, equipment operation, data analysis, and scientific collaboration. Working alongside faculty, students, and industry partners, you'll conduct research that improves the safety, performance, and management of athletic fields, golf courses, parks, and other managed turf systems.
Whether your goal is to become a leader in the turfgrass industry or pursue graduate education, this position provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise, gain hands-on research experience, and explore innovative ideas in a collaborative environment where learning through experimentation is encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute applied turfgrass field research by preparing research sites, implementing experimental protocols, scheduling field activities, and overseeing student employees.
  • Establish, maintain, and evaluate turfgrass research plots through mowing, irrigation management, fertilizer and pesticide applications, and cultivation practices.
  • Collect, document, and manage research data, including plant and soil samples, turfgrass quality and color ratings, weed assessments, soil moisture measurements, and surface hardness and stability testing.
  • Assist in developing and refining research methods and protocols, maintain research databases, perform data quality control, and conduct statistical analyses.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support research projects, scientific publications, grant proposals, field demonstrations, and extension and outreach activities.
  • Present research findings at field days, scientific conferences, and industry meetings, prepare educational displays and demonstration plots, and provide tours of research facilities for visitors and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
  • Experience establishing, maintaining, and managing turfgrass research plots or production systems, including irrigation management.
  • Experience operating, calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining turfgrass or agricultural equipment.
  • Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.
  • Experience applying fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or other crop protection products in accordance with research protocols and applicable regulations.
  • Experience presenting research findings, contributing to scientific publications, or supporting extension and outreach activities.

Why Join Iowa State University?
This position has served as a launching point for many early-career turfgrass professionals. Former Research Scientists have gone on to earn master's and doctoral degrees or build successful careers in the turfgrass industry. You'll have opportunities to lead applied research projects, present your work, contribute to publications, and develop the technical expertise needed for the next stage of your career.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
The selected candidate will be hired as a Research Scientist I.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
July 22, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 4, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19637
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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