Senior Greenkeeper - Irrigation & Spraying Specialist

Brocket Hall Estate; Lemsford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plans

Training & Development

BIGGA membership

Job summary

Brocket Hall Estate is seeking an experienced Golf Course Greenkeeper to maintain and improve our championship courses, with a focus on irrigation management, turf treatments and specialist maintenance activities.

You will work hands-on, require strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while supporting the wider greenkeeping team. Proven senior-level experience and PA1/PA2 qualifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in golf course greenkeeping at senior level or equivalent.
• Strong practical experience with irrigation systems and turf treatments.
• PA1/PA2 pesticide qualifications or current equivalents.
• Recognised greenkeeping/sports turf qualification (Level 3 or equivalent).
• Understanding of turfgrass management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation and disease control.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and carry out repairs.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain golf course irrigation systems to ensure optimal turf conditions.
• Carry out spraying and turf treatment applications with safety and compliance.
• Support course maintenance programs and participate in improvement projects.
• Supervise junior greenkeepers and promote safe working practices.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are safely operated and maintained.

Skills

Irrigation systems operation

Turf management

Spraying & turf treatments

Problem diagnosis

Independent working

Team supervision

Education

PA1 & PA2 pesticide qualifications

Greenkeeping/sports turf qualification (Level 3)

Tools

PPE & spraying equipment calibration

Job description

Working closely with the Course Manager and wider greenkeeping team, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving our championship courses, with particular responsibility for irrigation management, turf treatments and specialist maintenance activities.

This is a hands‑on position requiring strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to work independently while supporting the wider team's daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

Irrigation Management

• Operate, monitor and maintain the golf course irrigation systems to ensure effective water distribution and optimal turf conditions.
• Diagnose and resolve irrigation faults, including sprinkler heads, valves, pipework and control systems.
• Carry out routine inspections, preventative maintenance and seasonal irrigation adjustments.
• Support water management strategies to improve turf health, efficiency and sustainability.
• Maintain accurate irrigation maintenance and repair records.

Spraying and Turf Management

• Undertake the safe preparation, application and recording of approved turf treatments, including fertilisers and plant protection products.
• Ensure all spraying activities comply with relevant legislation, COSHH requirements and environmental standards.
• Maintain and calibrate spraying equipment to ensure accurate and efficient application.
• Assist with developing and implementing turf nutrition, disease prevention and integrated pest management programmes.
• Monitor turf conditions and identify potential issues, recommending appropriate corrective action.

Course Maintenance and Team Support

• Carry out all aspects of golf course maintenance to a consistently high standard.
• Support the Course Manager in delivering course improvement projects and maintenance programmes.
• Assist with supervising and guiding junior greenkeepers, promoting safe and efficient working practices.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are operated and maintained safely.
• Contribute to achieving excellent course presentation and playing conditions throughout the year.

Requirements

• Proven experience in golf course greenkeeping, ideally at senior greenkeeper level or equivalent.
• Strong practical experience operating and maintaining golf course irrigation systems.
• Demonstrable experience in spraying operations and turf treatment applications.
• PA1 and PA2 pesticide application qualifications, or relevant current equivalents.
• A recognised greenkeeping or sports turf qualification, ideally Level 3 or equivalent.
• Good understanding of turfgrass management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation and disease control.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and carry out practical repairs.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Ability to work independently and support the wider team.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Pension Plans
• Training & Development
• Enrolment in Brocket Hall staff benefits program, including free access to golf facility, discounted gym membership, discount on all FB offerings, retail, accommodation and ticketed events.
• BIGGA membership