Golf Course Operator

White Oak Conservation; Yulee (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

White Oak Conservation is seeking a Golf Course Operator I to perform daily maintenance, supporting the grounds crew on a private upscale golf course along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida. The role emphasizes proper turf care, equipment handling, and course presentation.

You will contribute to pristine playing conditions and professional course etiquette. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, reliability with early mornings and weekends, and the ability to operate

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior golf course or landscaping maintenance experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn equipment and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily golf course maintenance to ensure optimal playing conditions.
• Assist with turf and plant maintenance and operate small equipment.
• Maintain bunkers, water features, and course cleanliness.
• Follow safety protocols and report equipment malfunctions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Golf course etiquette

Equipment operation

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Blowers

Utility vehicles

Job description

Golf Course Operator

Department: Golf

Reports To: Golf Course Superintendent

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Effective Date: October 2025

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.

White Oak Mission

Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.

Job Summary

The Golf Course Operator I is responsible for performing daily golf course maintenance activities to ensure optimal playing conditions and overall aesthetic standards. This role supports the grounds crew in the operation of small equipment, hand tools, and turf maintenance practices on a private, upscale golf course.

Essential Duties

• Performs daily golf course setup, including mowing greens, tees. and collars, changing cups and tee markers, and maintaining bunkers.
• Assists with maintenance of turf, ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Operates small maintenance equipment and hand tools under supervision.
• Cleans and maintains water features, including ponds and streams.
• Performs hand and mechanical raking of bunkers, divot and ball mark repair, and hand watering of turf areas.
• Uses hand-held and backpack blowers for debris removal as needed.
• Pulls weeds with weed fork or other means.
• Completes walk-mow operations and operate utility vehicles once trained.
• Maintains and grooms bunkers, ensuring proper playability.
• Ensures cleanliness of the course by removing trash and controlling weeds.
• Returns all equipment cleaned, greased, fueled, and stored properly at the end of each shift.
• Maintains clean, safe, and organized Turf Care Center, ensuring standards of cleanliness are upheld to the level of Navy/hospital grade conditions.
• Reports equipment malfunctions or safety concerns.
• Supports sod installation and participates in general landscape improvement projects.
• Follows all safety protocols for lifting, use of PPE, handling equipment, and operating machinery.
• Demonstrates proper golf course etiquette and professionalism at all times.
• Ensures all machines are properly cleaned, lubricated, fueled, and stored following manufacturer guidelines.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in golf course or landscaping maintenance is preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment and techniques.
• Exhibit Golf Course etiquette and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to operate light and heavy utility vehicles and master use of hand tools and blowers.
• Ability to walk mow, fly mow, push mow, and hand rake bunkers.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues, and the public.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and exhibit excellence in golf course presentation.
• Commitment to safety and professionalism.
• Good judgment and common sense in routine and non-routine situations.

Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions

• Valid Florida or Georgia driver's license.
• Must be able to work in varying outdoor conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
• Physical activities include frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of operating equipment and working in physically demanding conditions.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional emergency callbacks.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and a personable demeanor while in uniform.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.