Golf Course Superintendent

Job description

Job Summary The 1st Assistant Golf Course Superintendent is the second-in-command for the golf course maintenance department. This role works directly alongside the Golf Course Superintendent to manage daily agronomic operations, supervise the maintenance staff, and ensure championship-level playing conditions across the facility. The 1st Assistant provides leadership to the crew, directs chemical and fertilizer programs, manages complex irrigation systems, and serves as the primary operational leader in the Superintendent's absence. Duties & Responsibilities Daily Operations & Staff Management • Schedule and delegate daily work assignments for the grounds crew, tracking progress and maximizing crew efficiency. • Lead, train, and mentor crew members on the safe, precise operation of all specialized golf course maintenance equipment. • Oversee course setup procedures (including hole cutting, tee markers, and bunker raking) to ensure optimal playability and alignment with the rules of golf. • Manage timekeeping systems, approve employee timecards, and assist the Superintendent with performance evaluations, hiring, and onboarding. Agronomy & Turfgrass Management • Routine scouting of the course (greens, tees, fairways, and roughs) to identify weed, insect, disease, and moisture stress. • Develop and execute Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs to maintain optimal turf health. • Calibrate, mix, and apply fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides safely and accurately according to product labels. • Maintain meticulous records of chemical inventory, application logs, and weather variables in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Irrigation & Water Management • Manage irrigation scheduling and central control software to maintain ideal soil moisture levels. • Troubleshoot and repair field irrigation components, including control boxes, wiring, pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. • Operate and perform routine maintenance on the main irrigation pump station and water intake systems. Facility & Project Management • Collaborate with the Head Mechanic to coordinate equipment service timelines, report machinery issues, and maintain tool safety. • Oversee capital improvement projects, such as bunker renovations, drainage installations, and tee rebuilds. • Maintain chemical and fertilizer storage facilities in pristine, audit-ready condition, complying with environmental and safety standards. Job Requirements & Qualifications • Education: A Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or advanced certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or Plant Science is highly preferred. • Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience in golf course maintenance, preferably with previous experience as a Second Assistant, intern, or crew foreman. • Licenses: Must possess a valid Driver's License and have (or be able to obtain within 90 days) a Connecticut Pesticide Applicator License. • Technical Skills: Operational knowledge of central irrigation computer programs, spreadsheet software, and precise equipment calibration techniques. Rainbird preferred • Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, perform heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), and work in adverse, variable weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, and rain). • Availability: Flexible schedule requiring early mornings, weekends, and holidays according to tournament schedules and seasonal demands. We aim to provide every other weekend off through the growing season.