Director of Grounds, Mar-a-Lago Club GCSAA

BoardRoom magazine; Florida; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off / vacation

Disability insurance

Continuing education and professional/

Uniforms

Golfing privileges

Cell phone allowance

Job summary

The Mar-a-Lago Club is seeking a positive, hands-on Director of Grounds to lead the care, maintenance, and enhancement of the Club’s outdoor environment. You will oversee eight full-time staff and drive high standards of landscape quality across the property.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead daily operations, plan improvement projects, and ensure exceptional presentation for high-profile events including the G-20 Summit.

Qualifications

• Four or more years of relevant grounds, landscape, turf, or horticulture experience; 8+ years encouraged.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Experience leading or supervising a grounds/landscape/turf maintenance team.
• Strong knowledge of landscape maintenance, irrigation, equipment, and project coordination.
• Positive, hands-on leadership style and commitment to high standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily maintenance and care of outdoor areas, including turf, beds, and trees.
• Plan and supervise mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, fertilizing, irrigation, and other grounds activities.
• Manage Rain Bird irrigation system scheduling, inspections, and repairs.
• Lead, train, schedule, and develop the grounds team; assign daily tasks and ensure quality.
• Oversee safe operation and maintenance of grounds equipment; coordinate repairs.
• Manage expenses, inventory, and identify capital needs and equipment improvements.
• Coordinate outside contractors and vendors for grounds/landscape projects.
• Maintain safe handling and storage of fertilizers and chemicals.
• Promote continuous improvement and uphold the club’s Never settle philosophy.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Irrigation knowledge

Safety compliance

Project coordination

Communication

Vendor management

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Rain Bird

Toro equipment

John Deere equipment

Job description

The Mar-a-Lago Club is seeking a positive, hands-on Director of Grounds to lead the care, maintenance, and continued enhancement of the Club’s outdoor environment.

Reporting to the General Manager, this individual will oversee the presentation and horticultural quality of the property while leading a team of eight full-time employees. The successful candidate will take pride in high standards, lead from the front, and help deliver ongoing landscape improvements at a high-profile private club.

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

• Total staff: 8 full-time employees, including one crew foreman and seven laborers
• Typical work schedule:
  • In-season, Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Off-season, Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• Turf types: Platinum Paspalum across the property; the property was regrassed two years ago
• Future projects: Landscape enhancement projects; the Club is slated to host the G-20 Summit
• Irrigation system: Rain Bird
• Equipment: Toro and John Deere, with a transition toward primarily leased John Deere equipment

SUCCESS TRAITS OF INDIVIDUAL

• Positive, proactive professional who anticipates needs and solves problems.
• Hands-on leader who works alongside the grounds team and leads by example.
• Skilled at recruiting, training, developing, and holding employees accountable.
• Organized manager who sets priorities, delegates effectively, and keeps projects on track.
• Detail-oriented professional with high standards for landscape quality and property presentation.
• Knowledgeable in South Florida plants, palms, turfgrass, and seasonal landscaping.
• Experienced in managing coastal conditions, drainage, and severe weather preparation.
• Technically proficient in irrigation, fertilization, pest management, pruning, and soil health.
• Proactive in identifying maintenance needs and preventing landscape problems.
• Experienced in managing budgets, staffing, purchasing, and equipment.
• Effective at managing contractors and vendors to ensure quality and timely work.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, special events, and member and guest needs.
• Clear communicator who works well with leadership, staff, members, and guests.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and respectful of privacy.
• Committed to safe work practices and proper equipment and product use.
• Takes ownership of the grounds and consistently seeks opportunities to improve.

INITIAL PRIORITIES OF POSITION

• Lead the day-to-day grounds operation and establish clear priorities for the crew.
• Maintain the quality and presentation of the property, including the Platinum Paspalum turf and landscaped areas.
• Assess and help plan upcoming landscape enhancement projects.
• Support the Club’s high standards and preparation for upcoming events, including the G-20 Summit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND APTITUDE

• Oversee the daily maintenance, appearance, and horticultural care of the Club’s outdoor areas, including turf, lawns, flower beds, ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Plan and supervise mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, fertilizing, irrigation, and other grounds maintenance activities.
• Manage and maintain the Rain Bird irrigation system, including scheduling, inspections, adjustments, and repairs.
• Lead, train, schedule, and develop the grounds team; assign daily responsibilities and monitor work quality and completion.
• Oversee the safe operation, maintenance, and servicing of grounds equipment and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Manage operating expenses, monitor supplies and inventory, and identify capital needs and equipment improvements.
• Coordinate outside contractors and vendors as required for grounds and landscape projects.
• Maintain safe work practices and ensure proper handling, storage, and use of fertilizers, chemicals, and other materials.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and support the Club’s guiding principle: "Never settle."

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four or more years of relevant grounds, landscape, turf, or horticulture experience; candidates with 8+ years of experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience may be considered in place of formal education.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a grounds, landscape, or turf maintenance team.
• Strong practical knowledge of landscape maintenance, irrigation, equipment, and project coordination.
• Positive, hands-on leadership style and a commitment to high standards.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $120,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience.
• Bonus opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off / vacation
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Continuing education and local and national professional dues
• Uniforms, free food, golfing privileges, and cell phone allowance

ABOUT US

The Mar-a-Lago Club is a distinguished private club known for its exceptional property, distinctive landscape, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of presentation. The grounds play an important role in the overall Club experience, requiring attention to detail, consistent upkeep, and a commitment to excellence throughout the year.

The Club is guided by the philosophy "Never settle," emphasizing continuous improvement and pride in the quality of its facilities. The grounds team plays an important role in upholding these standards while supporting the Club’s ongoing landscape enhancements and preparations for high-profile events, including the G-20 Summit.

As part of a larger portfolio of properties around the world, the Club also offers opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth, with a commitment to promoting from within. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader to make a meaningful impact on the property, develop a strong team, and contribute to the continued quality and presentation of the Club’s grounds.