Golf & Grounds Intern, 2026 Fall-Winter Season

Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Scheduling

Experience with major events

Outdoor work environment

Job summary

Penske Entertainment's Indianapolis Motor Speedway is seeking a Golf & Grounds Intern for the 2026 Fall-Winter season. The role focuses on turf and landscape maintenance for the historic grounds and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, with a hands-on, learning-driven approach.

The internship requires a passion for golf course management, turfgrass, or horticulture and offers flexible scheduling with potential part-time work during the school year.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed degree in Golf Course Management, Turfgrass and/or Horticulture Management, Sports Management
• Strong interest in golf course/grounds operations
• Willingness to learn and take on hands-on work

Responsibilities

• Assist in turf and landscape maintenance for IMS grounds and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
• Participate in event preparation, execution, and cleanup for Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other events
• Support agronomic practices and routine maintenance tasks
• Collaborate with Golf & Grounds leadership and scheduling
• Assist in calibration and application of plant protection products as directed
• Assist in various tasks to maintain championship-level grounds

Job description

Golf & Grounds Intern, 2026 Fall-Winter Season

POSITION TITLE:
Golf and Grounds Internship

REPORTS TO:
Golf, Grounds, and Horticulture Managers

LOCATION:
Indianapolis, IN

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Intern

DURATION:
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 (Flexible on start and end dates and times to accommodate school schedules)

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
• IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
• Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Join the team that maintains the most unique turf and landscape in sports. The Golf and Grounds Department of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is responsible for maintaining the turf and landscapes of the historic motor speedway (home of the world’s largest single day sporting event) and the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course (an 18-hole Pete Dye designed course).

Interns will learn and participate in the care of both the IMS grounds/landscaping and golf course maintenance. Perspective interns should have career aspirations of working in golf course, grounds, horticulture, or sports facilities management. This manual labor, intensive, hands-on learning experience with optional extracurricular activities to help candidates grow professionally.

Due to the fall schedule, this is a flexible internship; beginning and ending dates can be adjusted or rolled into the Summer Internship of 2027. Accommodation in scheduling can be made for Indianapolis-based college students looking for part-time work throughout the school year.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a part of the unique preparations, event execution, and cleanup for multiple events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other racing events from the facilities and grounds management perspective.
• Under the guidance of the Golf & Grounds leadership team, participate in the execution of all agronomic practices performed on the IMS campus.
• Assist in a variety of tasks in maintaining a championship level golf course.
• Experience the continuation of campus wide and golf course modernization projects.
• May assist Assistant Grounds Managers in scheduling, conducting tasks, and follow up of projects.
• May assist in the calibration and application of plant protection products and fertilizers.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the company and the Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Help maintain high standards of operational excellence and fan experience
• Deliver outstanding service to partners, guests, and colleagues

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Candidates must possess positive attitudes, strong work ethic, attention to detail, eagerness to learn and organizational skills.
• High integrity, strong people skills, and effective communication skills.
• Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to work on a team to succeed.
• Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
• Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards

Education:

• Currently pursuing, or graduated with, a degree in Golf Course Management, Turfgrass and/or Horticulture Management, Sports Management, or related fields.

Leadership:

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• A full schedule requires 40+ hours per week, including one weekend day during event/golf season (May-October). Voluntary overtime is available with many individuals working up to 60 hours per week during events season.
• The typical start time is 6:00am but may vary due to event demands. Flexible schedules can be made to accommodate students enrolled in classes and other special circumstances.
• Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The position involves walking or standing for long periods of time throughout the day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain and other adverse weather conditions.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events and mowing equipment.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Experience the unique, behind the scenes history of the 100+ year Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Gain experience in preparing for, hosting, and wrap up major racing and golf events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other major racing events.
• Flexible Scheduling

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.