Turf Managment Intern

Pioneer Athletics • Cleveland, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cleveland Browns and Pioneer Athletics are seeking a highly motivated turf management student for a paid seasonal internship. The intern will work with the Browns field staff and Pioneer Athletics’ Research and Development Department, gaining hands-on experience in a professional football environment and participating in R&D projects. The internship runs from May 17 through August 16, with flexibility based on the student’s school schedule. College students finishing school in May are also encouraged to apply. Applicants must be enrolled in coursework toward a degree in Turf Grass Management or a related field and be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a two- or four-year university in a turf program. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. A professor or individual connected to the applicant’s course studies should provide a reference letter. Applications are accepted through December 8, 2026, and phone interviews are expected to begin in December.

The intern will maintain a professional NFL stadium field and landscape, as well as a sports field at a nearby research facility. Duties include mowing, painting, fertilizing, cultivating, sod work, pest management, field repair, and basic field equipment maintenance. The intern will work with synthetic and natural grasses, including Bermuda, Rye, Tall Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass, and contribute to research and development projects.

The role requires a minimum of 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays, and extensive physical labor in all weather conditions. Compensation is $20 per hour, with time-and-a-half paid after 40 hours in a week. A housing stipend may be available for qualified out-of-state and non-local candidates to help offset temporary living expenses; eligibility and amounts will be discussed during interviews.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in coursework toward a college or graduate degree in Turf Grass Management or a related field; applicants must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a two- or four-year university in a turf program.
• Be available to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays.
• Be able to perform extensive physical labor in all weather conditions.
• Be able to operate grounds and landscape maintenance equipment.
• Be able to push, pull, lift, or move 50 or more pounds and work in temperature extremes.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Submit a reference letter from a professor or an individual connected to course studies.

Nice To Haves

• College students finishing school in May are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified out-of-state and non-local candidates may be eligible for a housing stipend.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional NFL stadium field and landscape, including mowing, painting, fertilizing, and cultivating.
• Maintain the sports field at a nearby research facility.
• Participate in research and development projects with a research company.
• Work with and learn about synthetic and natural grasses, including Bermuda, Rye, Tall Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass.
• Perform sod work, fertilization, and pest management.
• Repair and maintain the field when the team is away.
• Perform basic maintenance and care of field equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Cleveland Browns and Pioneer Athletics staff.

Benefits

• Paid internship at $20 per hour.
• Time-and-a-half pay after 40 hours in a week.
• A housing stipend may be available to qualified out-of-state and non-local candidates.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed