Golf and Grounds Intern, 2027 Spring/Summer Season

POSITION TITLE:
Golf and Grounds Internship

REPORTS TO:
Golf, Grounds and Horticulture Managers

LOCATION:
Indianapolis

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Seasonal (Temporary)

DURATION:
Spring 2027 – Summer 2027  (Flexible on start and end dates and times to accommodate school schedules)

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
• IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
• Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Join the team that maintains the most unique turf and landscape in sports. The Golf and Grounds Department of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is responsible for maintaining the turf and landscape of the historic motor speedway, including the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. Brickyard Crossing, designed by architect Pete Dye, features 4 holes inside the motor speedway and has the unique distinction of having hosted PGA, Senior PGA, and LPGA Tour events.

Interns will learn and participate in the planning and maintenance of both the IMS grounds and golf course maintenance. Perspective interns should have the goal of working as a Golf Course Superintendent or in the Sports Business or Management industry. This is a manual labor intensive, hands-on learning experience with optional extracurricular activities to help candidates grow professionally.

Due to schedules, this is a flexible internship; beginning and ending dates can be adjusted or rolled into the Summer Internship of 2027. Accommodation in scheduling can be made for Indianapolis-based college students looking for part-time work throughout the school year.

 YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a part of the unique preparations, event execution, and cleanup for multiple events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other racing events from the facilities and grounds management perspective.
• Under the guidance of the Golf & Grounds leadership team, participate in the execution of all agronomic practices performed on the IMS campus.
• Assist in a variety of tasks in maintaining a championship level golf course.
• Experience the continuation of campus wide and golf course modernization projects.
• May assist Grounds Managers in scheduling, conducting tasks, and follow up of projects.
• May assist in the calibration and application of plant protection products and fertilizers.
• May assist in community outreach project maintaining properties of active-duty military families.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the company and the Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Experience ‘off-season’s tasks such as capital improvement projects such as but not limited to golf course bridge reconstruction, bunker and greens complex redesigns, creekbank restoration, tree removal and trimming, and landscape installations. 
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Help maintain high standards of operational excellence and fan experience
• Deliver outstanding service to partners, guests, and colleagues

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Candidates must possess positive attitudes, strong work ethic, attention to detail, eagerness to learn and organizational skills. 
• High integrity, strong people skills, and effective communication skills.
• Innovative thinker and self-starter with perseverance to work on a team to succeed.
• Requires valid driver's license.
• Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment
• Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards

Education:

• Currently pursuing, or graduated with, a degree in Golf Course Management, Turfgrass Management, Sports Management, or related fields.

Leadership:

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• A full schedule requires 40+ hours per week, including one weekend day during event/golf season (May-October). Voluntary overtime is available with many individuals working up to 60 hours per week during events season. The typical start time is 6:00am but may vary due to event demands. Flexible schedules can be made to accommodate students enrolled in classes and other special circumstances.
• Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The position involves walking or standing for long periods of time throughout the day. The position requires lifting, up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain and other adverse weather conditions.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud, due to professional racing events and mowing equipment. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Experience the unique, behind the scenes history of the 100+ year Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Gain experience in preparing for, hosting, and wrap up major racing and golf events including the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and other major racing events.  
• Uniform polos provided + golfing privileges.
• Flexible Scheduling

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.