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

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

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. 

Overview

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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