Key Takeaways:
- Turf management offers diverse careers such as golf course superintendent, grounds maintenance supervisor, and tree trimmer.
- Degree courses include plant biology, soil science, business management, and communication to prepare students for leadership roles.
- Challenges for turf managers include exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilizers, impacting health and the environment.
In this guide, we explore what you can do with a turf management degree, highlighting careers in turf management, the value of turfgrass science programs, and opportunities in specialized fields like golf course management and sports turf management jobs. From maintaining pristine golf courses to managing athletic fields, turf managers play a critical role in outdoor spaces. We’ll cover common career paths, turf management salaries, and what to expect from degree programs in this growing field. Whether you’re drawn to working outdoors or intrigued by the science of turfgrass, this article has you covered.
Turf Grass Management as an Academic Discipline
According to a U.S. News and World Report article, the academic discipline of turf grass science is not new. Schools like Pennsylvania State University have been issuing degrees for this concentration area under the agronomy major since the 1920s. The demand for turf science graduates who are trained in soil science, pest control, irrigation, weed control and sport field design is steady. Because of the career oriented nature of the discipline, many degree programs include internships at sporting fields, country club styled golf courses and parks.
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Courses in Turf Grass Management
Students who major in turf grass science take a variety of courses that relate to plant biology, chemistry, business management and communication. For example, some course topics include turf grass varieties and breeds, plant nutrition and soil fertility. Business courses in management, accounting, business law and human resources prepare graduates for leadership roles within the profession. Also, classes that emphasize the development of good written and verbal communication skills help future turf managers to convey both technical and practical concepts of turf management to a variety of stakeholders.
Turf Management Job Options
A turf management degree opens up doors in careers like golf course superintendent, grounds maintenance supervisor and professional tree trimmer. Golf course superintendents are responsible for all aspects of the operations and maintenance of golf courses. Their duties include installation and maintenance of turf, managing property assets, controlling budgets and overseeing people. Turf science degree courses can also be used as educational credits towards the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s certification for golf course superintendents. Grounds maintenance supervisors oversee the sowing of sod, decorative plants, trees and shrubs for businesses and private residences. They also are employed with cities and counties for the maintenance of public parks. After some years of hands on experience working within the industry, many turf science graduates can start their own lawn care maintenance or tree trimming businesses.
Issues Faced by Turf Managers
A significant issue faced by turf managers and their work crews is the exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. While these chemicals result in pristine landscapes when applied properly, they also can cause health issues for workers and negatively impact the surrounding environment. However, there are turf science programs that expose students to organic turf grass management techniques and low impact pesticide use like Tufts University and Rutgers University respectively.
Conclusion on Turf Management Job Options
Ideal turf managers have mastered the science behind grass growth, cutting and landscape pruning, but they also have an understanding of how the turf is supposed to be used. For example, those who play golf and understand the technical side of how the golf course’s grass is supposed to be maintained can determine any modifications that are needed to turf management activities when the turf does not support optimal sport performance.
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