Sports Turf Manager

A Sports Turf Manager manages the playing field for a golf course, school, or other sports facility, keeping the grounds in peak condition. For Sports Turf Managers, guidance and management skills are especially useful during times of renovation and seasonal play. In this job, your duties also include managing the Groundskeepers who see to the maintenance on a daily basis. Your work results in a well-kept field that benefits the professional players and students who visit your facilities.

As a Sports Turf Manager, your typical day involves overseeing the general landscaping and upkeep of the property, and making sure workers are doing their tasks. You may jump in on the maintenance yourself, wielding a hand or power tool of some kind, but for the most part, you manage others. You supervise as your Groundskeepers lay sod, mow the grass, plant, water, fertilize, dig, rake, hoe, and more in order to keep the turf perfect. You also determine the amount of watering necessary, oversee the installation of a sprinkler system, and make sure the watering is done properly.

Depending on the exact sport you’re maintaining the turf for, your choice of sod and its upkeep requirements may vary. You have to be an expert in the playing conditions required for that particular sport, while also watching out for insects, pests, drought, weeds, and other grass diseases. In addition to the actual care of the grass, you have administrative tasks as well. These include looking after the budget and employee needs.