Turf

Includes the establishment, operation, maintenance and management of bowling greens, golf courses, turf racecourses and all other sporting and recreational areas where turf or grass are primarily involved. Design, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Introduction

The industry has several peak industry bodies in Victoria including the Victorian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (golf courses – formed about 1981), the Victorian Greenkeepers Association (lawn bowls – formed about 1912) and the Victorian Chapter of the Turfgrass Association of Australia, formed in 1990. There are also state-based Turfgrowers’ Associations.

 As a result of this large number of industry representative bodies, the number of people working in the turf industry in Victoria is sketchy.  It is estimated to be at least 3000 (comprising of about 1800 golf green turf staff, 300 lawn bowls greenkeepers, 200 turf growers and about 700 greenkeepers involved at council level, as well as greenkeepers working with ovals, racecourses or tennis courts). The Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, has the largest turf industry membership in Australia, and is widely recognised as the peak industry body, with over 700 members.

The work undertaken by those employed in the turf sector can comprise the following:

* establishment and maintenance of commercial and recreational turf

* design and preparation of sports turf playing surfaces

* domestic mowing and turf maintenance operations

* commercial growing and supply of turf

* management of recreational and sports turf facilities

* provision of technical advice on turf irrigation, pests and disease control and turf management practices

If you are interested in outdoor sports and the maintenance of sporting facilities, then a career in the turf industry may be for you. 'Turf' refers to grassed and lawn areas which are used for sports and recreation.

The turf industry employs people who look after and manage turf playing surfaces. There are several major employment sectors covered by this industry including golf courses, bowling greens, tennis courts and cricket wickets, sports playing fields, ovals and racecourses, recreational parks and grounds, domestic and commercial mowing and lawn maintenance operations and commercial turf farms.

Work in the turf industry focuses on the preparation and maintenance of these surfaces. The work may involve early starting times and some weekend overtime. Skills in the operation of specialist machinery and equipment are required for work in this industry.

At the supervisory and management level there is also emphasis on greens reconstruction and renovation, irrigation management, chemical use and healthy turf growth. Managers are responsible for budgets and may have to report to club committees.

Work in the turf industry can be divided into six levels. These levels also relate to training and qualifications. The titles for those who work at these levels are:

* Level 1: Assistant Greenkeeper

* Level 2: Groundsperson

* Level 3: Turf Tradesperson/Greenkeeper

* Level 4: Head Greenkeeper

* Level 5: Greens Manager

* Level 6: Sports Turf Manager