Turf Specialist

Ryan Lawn & Tree; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Uniforms provided

11 paid holidays + 1 floating personal

17 PTO days

Job summary

RJ Lawn & Landscape seeks a Turf Specialist to schedule and coordinate turf operations for residential and commercial properties. You will support mowing crews and applicators, monitor turf health, and ensure quality standards in mowing, trimming, and chemical applications.

The role requires CDL licensing, turf applicator certification, and physical ability to perform demanding field work. Year-round duties include snow removal and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Iowa Class A CDL (no air brakes).
• Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/licence must be maintained.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license required to operate company vehicles.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and working on uneven terrain.
• Operate turf equipment safely (mowers, trimmers, spreaders).
• Read and understand technical information.
• Basic math and measurement conversions.
• Lead and train crew members as needed.
• Occasional overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule Turf crews and specialized work with the Turf Manager.
• Assist with mowing operations and chemical application as needed.
• Maintain grass playing surfaces and perform cultural practices.
• Monitor turf health and report findings to Turf Manager.
• Train crew members on mowing, equipment, and safety.
• Coordinate material orders for Turf jobs and ensure timely deliveries.
• Maintain customer relations and communicate on-site inquiries.

Skills

Safety procedures

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Math skills

Team training

Education

Iowa CDL Class A

Ornamental Turf Applicator certification

Job description

Turf Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Turf Specialist

Salary:

$24.00 - $28.00 per hour, based on experience.

About The Role

Serve as a bridge between field operations and department leadership on the Turf team, scheduling assigned work and performing specialized turf services for new and existing customers in residential and commercial settings. Turf Specialist duties include supporting mowing crews and Applicators, monitoring turf health, and ensuring mowing, trimming, blowing, and application work meets RJ Lawn & Landscape standards.

What You'll Do

• Schedule assigned Turf crews and specialized work in coordination with the Turf Manager, including mowing routes, application schedules, and property check assignments.
• Support Crew Leaders with mowing operations and assist Applicators with chemical application work as needed; ensure trimmings and clippings are cleared from driveways, sidewalks, and hardscape on every property.
• Maintain natural grass playing surfaces through mowing, trimming, field layout, and painting; perform cultural practices to ensure quality playing surfaces.
• Monitor turf health across assigned properties; conduct site checks for disease, pest activity, and moisture issues; communicate findings and treatment recommendations to the Turf Manager.
• Assist with training and developing crew members on mowing technique, trimming standards, equipment operation, and chemical application safety.
• Coordinate material orders and deliveries for assigned Turf jobs, including chemical products, fertilizer, and equipment supplies.
• Maintain customer and property manager relations on assigned accounts; communicate scheduled visits and address on-site inquiries professionally.
• Review daily schedule prior to departure, including job site locations, scope of work, routes, and required materials and equipment.
• Inspect and confirm iPhone and iCREWtek devices are functioning properly; report any issues to the Turf Manager immediately
• Survey each site on arrival; verify property is clear of obstacles before mowing begins; report scope discrepancies, existing damage, or time concerns to the Turf Manager with photo documentation when applicable.
• Accurately complete job tickets with time and material records; walk the property to verify quality before leaving each job site.
• Report accidents, injuries, property damage, absenteeism, and tardiness to the Turf Manager immediately.
• Perform end-of-day equipment cleanup, debris removal, and preparation for the following day’s work.
• Support compliance with Iowa pesticide application laws, including confirming required property posting and adherence to chemical handling protocols.
• Attend company meetings as requested for overall company development.
• Attend continuing education classes as required to maintain certifications.
• Perform snow removal duties as assigned as part of year-round employment.
• Promote, demonstrate and enforce safety procedures & company policies.
• Support and enforce RJ Lawn & Landscape vision, mission, and core values.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Possess and maintain Iowa Class A Combination CDL (no air brakes).
• Possess and maintain 3OT – Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license.
• Legally operate company vehicles with a valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Physically perform the work, including lifting up to 50 lbs.; bending, lifting, and walking on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; shoveling sand, rock, dirt, and snow; and climbing ladders as needed.
• Operate machinery and specialized equipment in a safe and effective manner, including but not limited to: riding lawn mowers, string trimmers, blowers, ride-on spreaders/sprayers, and hand-held application equipment.
• Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Read and understand technical information competently.
• Demonstrate basic math skills and conversions.
• Lead and train crew members effectively.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain adaptability in a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected events.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in both positive and challenging situations.

Measure of Accountability

• Efficiency of scheduled work and hour/quality budgets.
• Job site quality on assigned properties (customer compliments or complaints).
• Number of scheduling errors or quality issues.
• Accuracy of job ticket completion and material records.
• Attendance Record.

Reports to: Turf Manager

Why RJ Lawn & Landscape?

In addition to being a non-smoking, EEOC-compliant company with real advancement opportunities, we offer:

• Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Uniforms provided.
• 11 Paid holidays plus 1 floating personal holiday.
• 17 Paid Time Off (PTO) days.