Turf Management Specialist

Presidio Trust; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Presidio Trust is seeking a Turf Management Specialist to maintain and improve turfgrass across sports fields, parks, and recreational areas in the San Francisco Bay Area. The role applies soil science, turfgrass biology, and pest management to ensure healthy, safe turf for use.

This full-time position offers benefits and a starting salary of $82,916. Reports to the Park Maintenance Supervisor and works in the Park Maintenance Department within a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years hands-on turf experience.
• Strong knowledge of turf agronomy, irrigation, pest control, and project management.
• Knowledge of soil science and turfgrass biology.
• Proficiency in pest and disease identification and IPM practices.
• Experience with modern turf management equipment and software for monitoring and scheduling.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Good organizational skills for maintenance scheduling.
• Qualified Applicators License or Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Soil Analysis & Fertilization: conduct soil testing and adjust plans.
• Irrigation Management: design, install, and maintain irrigation systems.
• Pest & Disease Control: identify pests/diseases and apply IPM.
• Field Maintenance Programs: lead annual maintenance plans (mowing, aeration, overseeding).
• Chemical Application: oversee safe fertilizer and pesticide use per regs.
• Equipment Operation: operate turf equipment (mowers, aerators, irrigation).
• Event Support: prepare fields for events and surface treatments.
• Staff Guidance: train and supervise groundskeeping staff.

Skills

Turf experience

Turf agronomy

Irrigation

Pest control

Project management

Soil science

Turfgrass biology

IPM practices

Equipment operation

Scheduling software

Outdoor work ability

Organizational skills

Qualified Applicators License

Tools

IPM software

Job description

The Presidio Trust is seeking a Turf Management Specialist to join its Park Maintenance Department. The Presidio Trust is a unique federal agency that stewards and shares the Presidio, one of the most visited national park sites in America and a place where people live and businesses thrive. The Trust manages the Presidio through a triple bottom line focus: being visited and loved by all, being a model of environmental stewardship, and demonstrating excellence in all our operations.

Reporting to the Park Maintenance Supervisor the Turf Management Specialist is responsible for the care, maintenance, and improvement of turfgrass in sports fields, parks, and other recreational areas. They ensure turf remains healthy, resilient, and safe for use by applying scientific knowledge of soil science, turfgrass biology, and pest management.

This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $82,916 based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically the Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by November 3, 2026, will receive first consideration. The projected start date for this role is early January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Soil Analysis & Fertilization: Conduct regular soil testing to determine nutrient levels and adjust fertilization plans to optimize growth and health
• Irrigation Management: Design, install, and maintain efficient irrigation systems to ensure uniform water distribution while minimizing waste
• Pest & Disease Control: Identify turf pests and diseases early and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to protect turf quality
• Field Maintenance Programs: Develop and lead annual maintenance plans, including mowing, aeration, overseeding, and seasonal treatments
• Chemical Application: Oversee the safe application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other turf treatments in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain turf management equipment such as mowers, aerators, and irrigation systems
• Event Support: Assist with preparing fields for events, including surface treatments and safety preparations
• Staff Guidance: Provide training and supervision to groundskeeping staff, especially those handling specialized tasks like chemical application

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years hands-on turf experience
• Proven skills in turf agronomy, irrigation, pest control, and project management; prior work in parks, or landscape maintenance
• Strong knowledge of soil science and turfgrass biology.
• Proficiency in pest and disease identification and IPM practices.
• Experience with modern turf management equipment and software for monitoring and scheduling.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold
• Good organizational skills for managing maintenance schedules
• Qualified Applicators License or Certificate

Desired Qualifications

• A passion for the mission and values of the Presidio Trust.

Background Check

This position is subject to an employment background check which shall consist of a review of applicable county, state and Federal criminal and civil records, state bankruptcy indexes, driver’s license, education, and employment history. An individual’s granting of a background check and resulting report is voluntary. However, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment background check. The Presidio Trust may refuse to hire an individual, may rescind an offer of employment to an individual, or may review and terminate the employment of a current employee not successfully completing the background check.