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Turfgrass Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Turfgrass Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.6K

$60.3K

$126.3K

How much do turfgrass manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for turfgrass manager in Chicago, IL is $60,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,056.00 and $67,230.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Turfgrass jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Turfgrass jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Turfgrass Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Turfgrass Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Turfgrass Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Turfgrass Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Turfgrass Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,327 per year, or $29 per hour.

Turf & Grounds Manager | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group

Evanston, IL • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 36 rated event venues

Job description

Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary
The Turf & Grounds Manager is responsible for the maintenance, care, safety, and presentation of Ryan Field's playing surface, stadium field areas, and surrounding grounds. This position ensures the field is maintained to the highest standards for NCAA Division I football, concerts, and other special events. The Turf & Grounds Manager oversees turf maintenance, field markings and logos, infill management, field inspections, irrigation and drainage systems, field protection, and event-related field preparation. The position works closely with Northwestern Athletics, Event Management, Operations, Facilities, and event partners to ensure the field and surrounding grounds are safe, functional, and event-ready. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the athletic and event schedule.
This role pays an annual salary of $75,000 - $90,000.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee the daily and seasonal maintenance of Ryan Field's turf playing surface and surrounding grounds.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive turf maintenance program, including routine grooming, cleaning, infill management, decompaction, and surface inspection.
  • Monitor turf performance, surface conditions, drainage, seams, infill levels, and other field components to identify maintenance or repair needs.
  • Coordinate regular testing and evaluation of the playing surface to ensure compliance with NCAA and applicable industry standards.
  • Manage field preparation for football games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events.
  • Coordinate field painting, striping, logos, graphics, and other field markings.
  • Oversee the installation, use, and removal of field protection systems, temporary flooring, and other event-related materials.
  • Develop procedures to minimize damage and maintain the integrity of the turf during event conversions.
  • Inspect the field before and after events and document any damage or required repairs.
  • Manage maintenance of stadium grounds, landscaped areas, walkways, plazas, and other exterior areas surrounding the venue.
  • Oversee irrigation and drainage systems serving the field and surrounding grounds.
  • Maintain and manage turf and grounds equipment, tools, vehicles, and supplies.
  • Develop preventative maintenance schedules for field and grounds equipment.
  • Manage, train, and schedule full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract grounds personnel as applicable.
  • Manage inventory of turf materials, infill, paint, field supplies, equipment, and replacement components.
  • Coordinate with contractors and vendors performing specialized turf, field, irrigation, drainage, or grounds services.
  • Assist with snow and ice removal and severe weather preparation and response as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, NCAA standards, university policies, and Oak View Group procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records related to field inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, testing, inventory, and equipment.
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets and assist with purchasing and vendor management.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Director of Operations to ensure the field and grounds are fully prepared for scheduled events.
  • Operate turf and grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Sports Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience maintaining athletic fields, sports turf, stadium grounds, or similar facilities.
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining athletic turf systems.
  • Knowledge of turf maintenance, infill management, field testing, drainage, and field protection systems.
  • Experience operating and maintaining turf and grounds equipment.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation.
  • Experience supporting NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, or major stadiums.
  • Experience with turf systems used for football or other high-level athletic competition.
  • Experience managing field conversions for concerts and large-scale special events.
  • Knowledge of NCAA field requirements and applicable turf testing standards.
  • Illinois Pesticide Applicator License, where applicable.
  • Experience managing contractors, vendors, budgets, and seasonal staff.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and perform repetitive physical tasks.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Heavier items with assistance.
  • Ability to operate turf and grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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