1. Agricultural Careers Turf Manager By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Oversee assigned personnel, which includes: assigning work, work allocation, training and problem resolution. Evaluate performance and make recommendations for personnel actions. Motivate employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Manage and review irrigation systems performance and initiate changes when necessary. Control weeds and pests and select, operate, and maintain equipment. Prepare and follow a budget. Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising a competent staff.

3. Qualities and Skills Turf managers must be able to lead a group of workers in their respective tasks and respond calmly and effectively in times of crisis or dilemma. They must posses good communication skills and be knowledgeable about pest management guidelines and standards.

4. Work Environment Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises Extensive physical activity Involves both indoor office work and outdoor field work

5. Salary Starting salaries vary widely depending on the area of the country. They typically range from $22,000 to $27,000 a year plus benefits. It is common for a student just graduating to work as an assistant to a professional turf manager for a few years to gain experience before moving into a position of greater responsibility and opportunity. Professional turf managers with a college degree in Turfgrass Science and 10 to 15 years experience in the turfgrass industry currently earn $40,000 to $90,000 a year. Successful turf managers have expanded their careers into club management, ownership of small businesses related to turf, consultants, managers of firms, and turf-related sales and marketing.

6. Education A Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, or an equivalent discipline; at least 3 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

7. Career Resources Turfgrass Producers International Internet: http://www.turfgrasssod.org/ American Society for Horticultural Science Internet: http://www.ashs.org/ SportsTurf Managers Association Internet: http://www.sportsturfmanager.com iSeek: Turf and Turfgrass Management Internet: http://www.iseek.org/sv/22030.jsp?id=111100 Turfgrass Management: Sports and Commerical Internet: http://www.canr.msu.edu/agtech/sports.html Professional Lawn Care Association of America Internet: http://www.plcaa.org/home/