Golf Course Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Career growth resources

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a dedicated Golf Course Equipment and Grounds Technician to maintain Duke University Golf Course equipment and ensure safe operation. The role focuses on preventive maintenance, repairs, and supporting premier playing surfaces for student-athletes and guests.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in skilled trades or mechanical repair. The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliable equipment operation on-site at the Duke Golf

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Coursework, vocational training, or experience in skilled trades, equipment maintenance, or mechanical repair.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair golf course equipment (mowers, utility vehicles, backhoes, loaders, spray rigs, irrigation).
• Perform preventative maintenance: oil changes, lubrication, blade/sharpener maintenance, keep records.
• Overhaul and repair small engines; refurbish equipment as needed.
• Support grounds maintenance by operating light equipment and maintaining playing surfaces.
• Apply fungicides, pesticides, and turf management products safely and per regulations.

Skills

Equipment maintenance

Grounds equipment operation

Mechanical repair

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Small engine repair

Job description

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we believe exceptional work starts with exceptional people. We celebrate individuality, value diverse perspectives, and foster an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. As a Golf Course Equipment and Grounds Technician, you'll play an essential role in maintaining the Duke University Golf Course by ensuring grounds equipment operates safely and efficiently while helping create a premier experience for student-athletes, staff, alumni, and guests.

Be Bold.

Join a team dedicated to excellence in grounds management and equipment maintenance. In this hands‑on role, you'll combine technical expertise with problem‑solving skills to help keep Duke's golf course facilities and equipment performing at their best.

What You’ll Do:

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair golf course equipment, including power mowers, utility vehicles, backhoes, front‑end loaders, rototillers, spray rigs, and irrigation equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance such as changing oil, lubricating components, sharpening reels and blades, and maintaining equipment records.
• Overhaul and repair small engines and restore equipment as needed.
• Assist with painting and refurbishing equipment to extend service life and maintain appearance.

Grounds Operations Support

• Operate light and specialized equipment to support golf course maintenance activities.
• Assist in maintaining high‑quality playing surfaces and grounds throughout the golf course.
• Support seasonal and daily grounds maintenance projects as assigned.

Chemical Application & Safety

• Apply fungicides, pesticides, and other turf management products according to established schedules, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow environmental stewardship and workplace safety guidelines to ensure responsible chemical handling and application.
• Partner with golf course operations and grounds maintenance staff to support daily maintenance objectives.
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Coursework, vocational training, or experience in skilled trades, equipment maintenance, or mechanical repair.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining grounds, landscape, golf course, or turf equipment.
• Knowledge of small engine repair and preventative maintenance practices.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds maintenance equipment.
• Experience working with irrigation systems, spray equipment, or turf management operations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
• One year of experience maintaining grounds and landscape equipment, or
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Choose Duke.

Why Duke?

• Work for one of the nation's leading universities and health systems.
• Be part of a collaborative team committed to excellence in athletics and recreational facilities.
• Access competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and career growth resources.
• Contribute to maintaining a world‑class golf course environment that serves the Duke community and its visitors.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires an educational background normally equivalent a high school with course work in skilled crafts or trades training.

Experience

Work requires 1 year experience in maintaining grounds and landscape to acquire knowledge in the operation and maintenance of grounds and landscape equipment. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Degrees,Licensures, Certifications

Work requires 1 year experience in maintaining grounds and landscape to acquire knowledge in the operation and maintenance of grounds and landscape equipment. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OREXPERIENCE

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.20. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.