Sports Turf Maintenance Certificate

The Program
This program prepares students for entry-level employment in sports turf maintenance and related occupations. Launching your career in the turfgrass industry can lead to a variety of exciting job opportunities that blend your love for sports with science and technical skills. Sports turf management can involve a variety of tasks including managing sporting and nonsporting events, preparing and maintaining sports fields as well as setting up for games. If you love sports and enjoy the outdoors, explore career opportunities in the sports turf industry.

What You Will Learn
Through lectures and activities students gain basic knowledge and skills needed to support sports turf managers in maintaining sports fields found in schools, universities, public parks and sports stadiums. By participating in an internship program, students gain hands-on experience, learn the terminology used in the industry, and gain confidence in their skills. Students unable to participate in the internship program have the option of completing a field project.

Location
All classes are offered at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson. Sports Turf Maintenance classes are convenient for people living and working in or near Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, Carson, Compton, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Downey, Inglewood and other parts of the South Bay and Southern California.

Employment Outlook
Population growth has led to a corresponding increase in the demand for sports facilities. Not only are there more individuals involved in sports activities, but participation and attendance in sporting events is also on the rise. The ongoing popularity of sports played on turfgrass such as soccer, football, baseball, and golf continues to attract new audiences. While media attention draws fans across the country, companies that align their products and services with sporting events and athletes further heightens the popularity of these sports.

New construction and renovation of athletic fields have increased in response to the demand for sports fields. New fields are being constructed or renovated for all levels of play including youth sports, club sports, city parks, schools, colleges/universities, and professional teams. These facilities require a significant investment in equipment and the type of turfgrass installed on the fields. As a result, there is a growing demand for individuals who possess the knowledge and ability to maintain high quality turf that looks good and is safe for play.

Who Should Attend
• Individuals interested in pursuing entry-level employment in sports turf management
• Individuals who enjoy working outdoors and/or have an interest in sports related employment
• Individuals possessing the enthusiasm to learn more about the sports turf industry

Certificate Requirements
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of eight required courses which includes an approved, supervised internship or project.

Courses
Exploring Career Opportunities in Sports Turf Management (NMST 100)
Turf Grass Science Basics (NMST 101)
Soils and its Impact on Sports Turf (NMST 102)
Fertilizers (NMST 103)
Pest Management Practices for Sports Fields (NMST 104)
Sports Turf Irrigation (NMST 105)
Sports Turf Management (NMST 106)
Career Planning (NMST 107)

Advisory Board Members
Kent Kurtz PhD, Professor, Horticulture/Plant & Soil Science, CSU Pomona
Kyle Waters, Director of Sports Turf & Grounds, Home Depot Center
Lee Miller, Public Works Superintendent, City of Long Beach
Steve Dugas, Manager/Landscape Services, CSU Fullerton
Terry Lortz, Superintendent of Golf, City of Long Beach
Theresa Maceyka, Park Maintenance Supervisor, City of Long Beach

About the Instructor
Kelly Parkins, MS, Parkins & Associates Consulting. She is a California State Certified Pesticide Trainer, Qualified Applicator and Pest Control Advisor. Her expertise in golf and sports turf management includes developing and assessing maintenance practices, serving as a horticultural and pest management advisor, and conducting training.

For further Information:
310-243-3355/jvogel@csudh.edu