Golf Complex Superintendent (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a Golf Complex Superintendent to manage grounds maintenance for two 18-hole courses, overseeing supervisory staff and ensuring top playing surfaces year-round.

Responsibilities include turf programs, soil testing, budget control, safety, and coordinating with golfers, associations, vendors, and staff to support tournaments and city operations.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Golf Course Turf Management or related field, plus six (6) years of experience supervising golf course grounds.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to two (2) years.
• Must possess Texas Class C Driver License; pesticide applicator license required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the turf maintenance of greens, roughs, fairways and surrounding landscaping of two 18-hole golf courses to conform to USGA standards.
• Plans and implements cultivation programs and disease, insect, and weed control programs for optimal playing surfaces.
• Designs golf greens and fairways and maintains the landscaping around the greens, fairways, and roughs.
• Reviews soil and turf test results, directs fertilizer, insecticide and fungicide applications, and handles weather-related issues.
• Communicates with golfers, associations, pro shop staff, vendors to coordinate turf management with events.
• Maintains detailed records and reports of turf maintenance activities.
• Initiates and/or approves requisitions, work orders, and schedules to coordinate activities.
• Monitors annual operating budget to ensure expenses stay within allocations.
• Writes specifications and provides technical assistance in equipment purchases.
• Establishes and enforces safety rules for employees and golfers.

Skills

Golf course management

Supervisory techniques

Safety practices

Soil and turf

Budgeting

City policies

Communication

Multi-tasking

Computer skills

Planning

Training others

Teamwork

Customer relations

Education

Associate’s degree in Golf Course Turf Management or related field

Job description

About This Position

Job Description:

Golf Complex Superintendent

Purpose:

Under limited direction, this position manages the grounds maintenance of a complex consisting of two 18-hole golf courses, providing management to supervisory staff responsible for year round, seven day per week golf course maintenance, and ensuring that playing surfaces are kept in the best possible conditions, adjusting for weather, climate, playing demands, and budgetary constraints.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the turf maintenance of greens, roughs, fairways, and surrounding landscaping of two 18-hole golf courses to conform to U. S. Golf Association standards.
• Plans and implements cultivation programs and disease, insect, and weed control programs to ensure optimal playing surfaces under a wide variety of conditions.
• Designs golf greens and fairways to provide interesting, challenging play for golfers. Designs and maintains the landscaping of the acreage surrounding the greens, fairways, and roughs.
• Provides technical expertise such as reviewing test results of soil and turf samples, directing the application of fertilizer, insecticide, and fungicide, and dealing with weather-related problems such as heat, floods, windstorms, and freezes.
• Communicates with golfers, golf associations, pro shop staff, vendors, and other interested parties to ensure turf management is coordinated with tournaments and other activities.
• Maintains detailed records and reports of turf maintenance activities.
• Initiates and/or approves requisitions, work orders, and schedules to ensure proper coordination of activities.
• Monitors sand administers the annual operating budget to ensure expenses remain within budget allocations.
• Writes specifications and provide technical assistance in the purchase of necessary equipment.
• Establishes and enforces safety rules for employees and for golfers while on golf course property.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of golf course management.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of soil and turf, insecticides and fungicides.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with otherCity employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Golf Course Turf Management or related field, plus six (6) years of experience supervising golf course grounds.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Texas Class C Driver License.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain a valid pesticide applicator’s license.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in golf course agronomy leadership.
• Experience with contract documents, including monitoring contracts for compliance.
• Experience developing agronomy plans and budgets in excess of 1.5 million dollars.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation relating to golf course agronomy.
• Ability to train others in agronomy, management, and safety.
• Knowledge of Central Texas greens surfaces.
• Knowledge of soil and turf insecticides and fungicides.
• Ability to operate golf carts, mowers, and other equipment or heavy machinery.

Preferred Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Preferred Membership: Membership in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Work Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Will be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Work Locations:

• Jimmy Clay Golf Course - 5400 Jimmy Clay Drive, Austin, TX 78744
• Morris Williams Golf Course - 3851 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723

Salary:

$75,950 - $95,700 per year.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation’s most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.