Overview
The Sports Turf Manager is responsible for the daily maintenance, preparation, and overall quality of all athletic fields. This role ensures that fields are safe, visually appealing, and game-ready for all scheduled practices and events. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong organizational skills, the ability to manage a grounds crew, and a commitment to maintaining high-performance playing surfaces.
Compensation: $21–$23/hour
The pay listed is the salary range for this position. Any specific offer will vary based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, and alignment with market data. You may be eligible to participate in a Company incentive or bonus program
Benefits: ABM offers a comprehensive benefits package. For information about ABM’s benefits, visitABM Team Member Benefits | Staff & Management
Petersburg, VA (Onsite – Virginia State University)
Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Flexibility required for weekends, game days, and seasonal schedule adjustments (including potential 4x10 shifts)
Responsibilities
- Oversee the maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields, including football, soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse
- Mow all sports fields at least twice per week, maintaining a consistent height of 2–2.5 inches or lower
- Maintain clean, defined edges on baseball and softball fields
- Control field “lips” by regularly brushing to ensure smooth transitions between turf and infield dirt
- Drag infields and warning tracks at least once per week (or more frequently based on field usage)
- Prepare game-ready fields by painting lines for practices and events; repaint weekly during active seasons
- Repair and maintain pitching mounds, batter’s boxes, and high-wear areas as needed
- Apply seed, fertilizer, and treatments according to label instructions and best practices
- Monitor and manage weed control across all fields
- Coordinate field preparation with VSU and Dinwiddie County athletic schedules to ensure readiness for all events
- Perform routine turf maintenance, including upkeep based on field usage cycles (every 40–60 hours of play)
- Assist with seasonal duties such as snow removal
Qualifications
- Previous experience in landscaping, groundskeeping, or turf management
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience (or strong demonstrated leadership potential)
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Availability to work occasional weekends and extended hours based on athletic schedules
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Valid driver’s license (MVR required) and ability to pass background screening
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience maintaining athletic or sports turf fields
- Knowledge of turfgrass maintenance practices, including mowing, fertilization, and field preparation
- Familiarity with sports field layout and requirements for multiple sports
- Experience operating landscaping or turf maintenance equipment
