Lead Greenkeeper

Trump, Doonbeg - Greenkeeping; Munster; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Regular canteen on site

Spa & Golf discounts

Free parking

Job summary

Trump International Doonbeg is seeking a Lead Greenkeeper to manage a 15–30 person crew and drive turf maintenance to championship standards on the Doonbeg links and surrounds.

You will lead daily operations, coordinate schedules, monitor turf health, apply agronomic practices, and ensure safety and compliance across all maintenance activities. This hands-on leadership role rewards initiative and strong teamwork in a world-class hotel and golf resort setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience as a qualified Greenkeeper.
• NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management.
• Valid pesticide application certificates (PA1/PA2/PA6 or regional equivalents) and a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Direct, coordinate, and supervise the daily tasks of the 15–30 person greenkeeping crew.
• Oversee turf maintenance across greens, tees, fairways, and roughs.
• Administer chemical and irrigation operations per agronomic plans.
• Ensure safety, equipment maintenance and PPE compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Communication

Attention to detail

Stamina

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management

Job description

Job Description: Lead Greenkeeper

Trump International Doonbeg is a coastal haven, hidden on a sheltered corner of the Wild Atlantic Way where world-class golf meets an intimate Spa, amazing food and access to the best activities, culture, heritage and one of the most picturesque settings Ireland has to offer for conferences, meeting, incentives and special events.

Recognised among the best championship Links Courses in the world and named best Golf Resort in Ireland by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association. At the heart of the resort is the Irish Country house hotel with one of Ireland's best Hotel Restaurants, the Ocean View Restaurant. And Ocean is a recurring theme, ever present with stunning views of the rolling waves and the rugged landscape stretching as far as the eye can see to the Cliffs of Moher.

Certified as a GREAT PLACE TO WORK®, Trump International Doonbeg is home to a proud and motivated workforce of over 300 staff during high season, offering a world class 5 Star Hotel workplace, with the beauty and balance of west Clare living.

Reports To: Assistant Golf Superintendent/Golf Course Superintendent

Department: Golf Course Maintenance

Supervises: 15 - 30 Greenkeepers

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Overview

The Lead Greenkeeper serves as the vital link between management and the field crew. Working directly under the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, you will lead, motivate, and organize a team of 15 - 30 greenkeepers depending on the time of the year. You will be responsible for the daily execution of maintenance schedules, ensuring the golf course is consistently presented to the highest professional standards. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring excellent turf management skills, a strong work ethic, and natural supervisory abilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Supervision

• Direct, coordinate, and supervise the daily tasks of the 15- 30 person greenkeeping crew.

• Conduct morning briefings to assign duties, clarify standards, and set daily deadlines.

• Monitor staff performance on the course, providing real‑time feedback and hands‑on training.

• Assist the Assistant Superintendent with staff scheduling, time tracking, and enforcing workplace policies.

2. Turf & Course Maintenance

• Oversee and assist with daily mowing operations for greens, tees, fairways, and roughs.

• Manage tournament and daily play preparation, including hole-changing, tee‑marker rotation, and bunker grooming.

• Execute and supervise essential turf practices, including aeration, scarification, top‑dressing, and overseeding.

• Identify and report early signs of turf diseases, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies to the Assistant Superintendent.

3. Chemical & Irrigation Operations

• Safely calibrate and operate specialized chemical sprayers and fertilizer spreaders.

• Supervise or execute the application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers according to agronomic plans.

• Monitor moisture levels and assist in operating, troubleshooting, and repairing the course irrigation system.

4. Machinery, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all team members operate turf machinery safely and utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Oversee the daily cleaning, fluid checks, and safe storage of all maintenance equipment.

• Report any mechanical faults immediately to the Assistant Superintendent or Equipment Technician.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard‑free maintenance facility.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a qualified Greenkeeper, with proven experience informally leading or mentoring junior staff.

• Education: NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management (or regional equivalent highly preferred).

• Certifications: Valid safe pesticide application certificates (e.g., PA1, PA2, and/or PA6 or regional equivalents).

• Licenses: Valid driver's license required to operate course utility vehicles.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Leadership: Ability to command respect, motivate a large crew, and maintain high morale during early morning starts or adverse weather.

• Communication: Clear, concise verbal communication skills to relay instructions from management to the crew.

• Eye for Detail: High standards for course aesthetics and playing surfaces.

• Problem Solving: Ability to quickly adjust staff assignments on the ground when weather conditions or course priorities change.

• Stamina: Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

HEALTH & SAFETY

• To fulfil your obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1989 and any revisions or additional legislation made thereto.

• Knowledge of local and company hygiene, health and safety regulations.

• To ensure that reasonable care is taken for the health and safety of yourself, other employees, guests and any other person on the premises.

• To keep your work area clean, tidy and safe and report any hazard, accident, loss or damage to management.

• To be aware of trained first-aid personnel on the premises and have knowledge of the location of first aid boxes/fire extinguishers/alarms.

• To observe all safety rules and procedures, including those laid down in the Health & Safety Statement for your place of work.

• To carry out and promote fire and accident drills as directed by the hotel safety officer.

BENEFITS

• Regularly stocked canteen for meals, snacks and beverages while on duty.

• Discounts in our Spa, Hotel & Golf course.

• Discounted staff and friends and family rates available in other group properties in the United States and United Kingdom.

• Free Car parking.

• Regular staff appreciation initiatives.

• Opportunities to develop and grow through assisted educational opportunities.

• Sick Benefit scheme.

• Personal locker where required.

• Opportunity to learn and play golf out of hours plus the opportunity to invite golf guests at a reduced rate. Use of fitness center out of season.

Compensation: Competitive salary