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Turfgrass Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Turfgrass Management information

See Iowa salary details

$27.2K

$45.5K

$65.3K

How much do turfgrass management jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for turfgrass management in Iowa is $45,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,400.00 and $45,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Turfgrass Management vs Golf Course Superintendent?

AspectTurfgrass ManagementGolf Course Superintendent
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Professional (CTP), pesticide licensesSame certifications, plus additional golf course-specific credentials
Work EnvironmentLawns, sports fields, parks, landscapesGolf courses, primarily outdoor, large-scale turf areas
Employer & IndustryLandscaping companies, sports facilities, parksGolf courses, private clubs, resorts
Job FocusMaintaining healthy turf across various settingsOverseeing entire golf course operations, including turf, staff, and course conditions

While both roles require similar certifications and focus on turf health, Turfgrass Management generally covers a broader range of outdoor turf environments. Golf Course Superintendents specialize in managing golf course conditions, staff, and operations, often with additional responsibilities related to the sport's standards.

What is turfgrass management?

Turfgrass management is the science and practice of maintaining and caring for turfgrass areas, such as lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and parks. It involves tasks like mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, controlling weeds and pests, and maintaining soil health to ensure healthy, attractive, and functional grass surfaces. Professionals in this field use specialized knowledge and equipment to create safe, aesthetically pleasing, and durable turf for various recreational or commercial uses.

What are some common challenges faced in turfgrass management, and how can professionals address them?

Professionals in turfgrass management frequently encounter challenges such as pest infestations, disease outbreaks, and unpredictable weather conditions that can impact turf quality. Managing soil health, irrigation schedules, and selecting the right grass species for the local climate are also crucial tasks. To address these challenges, turf managers often rely on integrated pest management strategies, regular soil testing, and ongoing education about the latest turfgrass technologies. Collaborating closely with grounds crews, agronomists, and local extension services can also help in developing effective, sustainable solutions.

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

To thrive in Turfgrass Management, you need expertise in plant science, soil management, and pest control, typically supported by a degree in turfgrass science or a related field. Familiarity with turf maintenance equipment, irrigation systems, and certifications like Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) are often required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure optimal field conditions and team coordination. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining healthy, high-quality turf in sports, golf, and landscape settings.
What are popular job titles related to Turfgrass Management jobs in Iowa? For Turfgrass Management jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Turfgrass Management jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Turfgrass Management jobs in Iowa are:
Turfgrass Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turfgrass Management job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,457 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Turfgrass Research Scientist

Turfgrass Research Scientist

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Turfgrass Research ScientistJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degreeJob 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:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS807Original Posting Date:July 22, 2026Posting Close Date:August 4, 2026Job 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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