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Turfgrass Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

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 ...

SavATree LLC

Plant Health Care Specialist

Carmel, IN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

A degree in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Management, Turfgrass--or related experience (preferred) * The ability to ...

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Turfgrass Manager information

What does a turfgrass manager do?

A Turfgrass Manager is responsible for the care and maintenance of grass surfaces, such as those found on golf courses, sports fields, parks, and lawns. Their job includes tasks like mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and controlling pests and weeds to ensure healthy, attractive, and safe turf areas. They also plan maintenance schedules, manage budgets, and may supervise groundskeeping staff. Turfgrass Managers often work closely with facility managers and may be involved in selecting grass species, implementing sustainability practices, and troubleshooting turf problems.

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

To thrive as a Turfgrass Manager, you need expertise in turfgrass science, soil management, and pest control, typically supported by a degree in turf management, horticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with irrigation systems, turf maintenance equipment, and certifications like a pesticide applicator license are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage crews and address client or facility needs effectively. These skills ensure healthy, high-quality turf and efficient operations for golf courses, sports fields, or landscaped grounds.

What are some common challenges turfgrass managers face in maintaining high-quality sports fields or golf courses?

Turfgrass Managers often deal with challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, pest infestations, and maintaining turf health under heavy usage. Balancing the aesthetic and functional needs of the turf while adhering to environmental regulations can also be demanding. Collaboration with grounds crews, facility managers, and sometimes agronomists is essential to develop effective maintenance schedules and address issues proactively. Staying updated with the latest turf management technologies and best practices is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring optimal turf performance.

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

AspectTurfgrass ManagerGolf Course Superintendent
CertificationsCertified Turfgrass Professional (CTP), pesticide licensesSame certifications, often with additional agronomy credentials
Work EnvironmentGolf courses, sports fields, landscape companiesPrimarily golf courses, some sports facilities
ResponsibilitiesMaintaining turf health, overseeing turf care staff, applying fertilizers and pesticidesManaging entire course maintenance, overseeing staff, ensuring playability and safety

The Turfgrass Manager and Golf Course Superintendent roles share many certifications and work environments, focusing on turf health and maintenance. However, the Superintendent typically has broader responsibilities, overseeing the entire golf course operation to ensure optimal playing conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Turfgrass jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Turfgrass jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Turfgrass Manager jobs in Indiana?

For Turfgrass Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Turfgrass Manager jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Turfgrass Manager jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Turfgrass Manager jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Turfgrass Manager job openings:

Turfgrass Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turfgrass Manager job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Sports Turf Technician

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Purdue Universityexternal

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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