Turfgrass Management Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) at the University of Guelph is the only program of its kind in Ontario and is one of only two such programs nationally. Its focused curriculum provides students with the skills to succeed in this competitive industry. The program utilizes the collaborative resources of the University of Guelph faculty and staff, industry professionals and the grounds, workshop, and laboratory facilities of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. The DTM program is offered at the Guelph campus and will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities including golf course management, lawn care, sports field management, parks management, sod production and related supply and service businesses.
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Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Student Strengths
Knowledge
Exposure to various tools and equipment for maintaining turfgrass systems. Solid knowledge of pest identification and integrated pest management (IPM) programming. cal systems and systems analysis. Exposure to a variety of field, laboratory and office work in various sectors including consulting, industry, research, and municipal, provincial and federal governments.
Application
Experience in environmental management and sustainable initiatives. Creating and managing an agronomic plan to achieve a variety of playing conditions. Precision moisture management and executing effective and ethical water management plans. Maintenance of property infrastructure such as irrigation and drainage systems. Precision application of fertilizers and pest control products.
Problem Solving
Effective problem solving and decision making in the field. Budget management and short/long-range planning.
Sample Jobs
Golf Course Intern
The student will be responsible for operating walk-behind mowers to cut tees, approaches and greens; performing daily course set-up, using line trimmers, blowers; maintaining bunkers; operating various pieces of ride-on equipment; assisting in irrigation or drainage repair, and other course improvement projects. Students will gain exposure to fertilizer and pesticide application planning and equipment, be closely involved with the planning and execution of an integrated pest management (IPM) program as well as working closely with management to ensure daily and weekly department goals are met.
Municipal Parks Intern
Students will join the seasonal parks and trail maintenance team to complete a variety of tasks which sustain the beauty, cleanliness and usability of functional public greenspaces for community stakeholders. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to mowing, line trimming, fertilizing, over-seeding, aerating, line painting, re-grading ball diamonds, tree planting, maintaining public gardens, maintaining public trail systems, maintaining lawn bowling greens, applying pest control products, maintaining inventory of parks and public greenspace infrastructure, and other tasks as assigned.
Sample Employers*
- BMO Field
- City of Guelph
- St. George’s Golf Club
- TPC Toronto
- Cabot Links, NS
- Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, AB
- Royal Montreal Golf Club, QC
- Capilano Golf Club, BC
- St Andrews, Scotland
- Augusta National Golf Club, USA
- TPC Boston, USA
- Oakmont Country Club, USA
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.