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

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.

The Turf & Grounds Manager is responsible for the maintenance care safety and presentation of Ryan Fields 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 $75000 - $90000.

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.

• Oversee the daily and seasonal maintenance of Ryan Fields 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.

• Bachelors 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 drivers 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.

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 ourpeople improves ourservice and raises ourexcellence. 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.

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.