Head Greenkeeper

British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA); Reay; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free membership of Reay Golf Club

BIGGA membership

Pension scheme

Training opportunities

Job summary

Reay Golf Club in Scotland seeks a proactive Head Greenkeeper to manage course maintenance, supervise volunteers, and prepare the course for competitions and visitors. Reporting to the Greens Convenor, you will work with a trained Greenkeeper and help develop the northern links, requiring a full driving licence, NVQ/SVQ3 in Sports Turf Management, PA1/PA2/PA6A certificates, and weekend availability.

The role offers a competitive salary, free Reay Golf Club membership, BIGGA membership, a

Qualifications

• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent.
• Full driving licence or equivalent driving skills.
• PA1/PA2/PA6A spraying certificates as applicable.
• Knowledge of basic machinery maintenance.
• Knowledge of basic irrigation maintenance and repair.

Responsibilities

• General maintenance of the course, tees, fairways, greens and rough.
• Targeted maintenance incl. scarifying/verticutting, topdressing and nutrition/chemical applications.
• Prepare course for competitions and visitors: markers, bunkers, holes, hazards, and furniture.
• Drive course machinery, perform basic maintenance, and store machinery properly.
• Supervise volunteers and work parties on tasks.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• Implement Course Management Policy across maintenance tasks.
• Communicate regularly with Reay GC Council on course issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Prioritisation

Teamwork with council/volunteers

Initiative

Flexible hours

Physical stamina

Turf machinery knowledge

Education

NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management

Full driving licence

PA1/PA2/PA6A spraying certificates

Tools

Basic machinery maintenance

Irrigation maintenance knowledge

Turf machinery knowledge

Job description

Reay Golf Club - Thurso - Scotland

Managerial - Greenkeeper 21 September 2026

At Reay Golf Club, we pride ourselves on presenting a genuine test of golfing skill, where players encounter real shot-making challenges, from punched long irons to delicate bump and run shots, all in the face of the typical Scottish winds. Our course layout, designed by the renowned golf course architect James Braid, sets Reay apart as the most northernly 18-hole links course on the British mainland. The course was ranked 99th in the ‘National Club Golfer Top 100 Courses in Scotland’ in 2026.

The club has recently invested in new machinery and a modern Greenkeeping facility with office space, reflecting the club’s commitment to the continual development and improvement of the course.

This vacancy presents an opportunity for an ambitious and motivated individual to help create the next chapter of this beautiful links. The Head Greenkeeper will report to the Greens Convenor who sits on Reay GC’s Council and will be supported by a trained Greenkeeper and a team of enthusiastic and committed volunteers.

If you have the skills and ambition required to help shape the future of a fantastic links golf course surrounded by friendly people and unspoilt dramatic landscape, this is the role for you!

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• General maintenance of the course, tees, fairways, greens and rough.
• Targeted maintenance of the course including undertaking scarifying/verticutting of turf, applying topdressing and applying nutrition/chemicals as appropriate.
• Preparing the course for competitions and visitors including moving tee markers, maintaining bunkers, changing holes, marking of hazards, out of bounds and ground under repair, and maintaining golf course furniture.
• Driving golf course machinery with implements, basic maintenance of machinery, and ensuring appropriate storage of machinery.
• Supervision of volunteers and work parties assisting with specific tasks.
• Ensuring all work is carried out in accordance with relevant Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
• Responsibility for implementation of Course Management Policy on all aspects of course maintenance.
• Regular communication with the Reay GC Council on issues relevant to the maintenance of the course.

Key Attributes

To be able to carry out the duties of this post effectively and safely, candidates should be able to provide evidence of the following:

• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and to develop a programme of work for the ongoing maintenance and development of golf course.
• Ability to forge good working relationships with members of the Reay GC council and volunteers.
• Ability to work under own initiative and without daily supervision.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Willingness to undertake physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of modern turf machinery.

Job Type

Full-time, Permanent

Pay

Very Competitive Salary

Work Authorisation

United Kingdom (required)

Desirable Skills And Qualifications

The following skills and qualifications are desirable for the post. For candidates without the stipulated skills and qualifications, a development plan will be agreed with the Reay GC Council to address any gaps.

• Full driving licence.
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management (or demonstrable equivalent relevant qualifications or experience).
• PA1, PA2 and PA6A spraying certificates.
• Knowledge of basic machinery maintenance.
• Knowledge of basic irrigation maintenance and repair.

Benefits

• Very competitive salary package in line with BIGGA guidelines.
• Free membership of Reay Golf Club.
• BIGGA membership.
• Pension scheme.
• Additional training and development opportunities will be made available to candidates who do not meet all the desired qualifications and experience.