Golf Course Superintendent

Town of Fairfield; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Golf Course Superintendent to oversee the maintenance and management of municipal golf courses. This role involves developing comprehensive turf management programs, managing irrigation systems, and leading a skilled maintenance team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agronomy and turf management, with excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with various departments. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the golf courses are maintained to the highest standards, providing an exceptional experience for all players. If you are passionate about golf course management and eager to make a positive impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in golf course maintenance with leadership.
• Knowledge of turfgrass species and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain golf course operations and staff.
• Develop and implement agronomic plans for turf management.
• Ensure compliance with regulations regarding chemicals.

Skills

Turf Management

Irrigation Systems

Pest Management

Chemical Application

Team Management

Budget Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Turfgrass Management

Five years of golf course maintenance experience

Tools

Computer Weather Station Software

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the supervisory and administrative work involving the maintenance, operation, and management of municipal golf courses. The Golf Course Superintendent will be responsible for managing and maintaining all aspects of agronomy for the golf courses, properties, and clubhouse grounds. This role requires a proactive approach to communication and collaboration with other department heads to ensure the smooth operation of the golf courses and its facilities. The Superintendent will develop, implement, and manage the golf courses and surrounding areas. This includes building an annual agronomic budget, creating a 12-month agronomic plan, labor plan, and operational budget. The role also involves ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals and fertilizers. The Superintendent will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all chemical and fertilizer applications and will oversee the recruitment, hiring, training, and management of a strong property maintenance team. In addition to agronomic responsibilities, the Superintendent will ensure that all equipment and irrigation systems are maintained in good working condition, with timely repairs and organized maintenance logs. The Superintendent will also supervise the maintenance of Town golf courses by planning work schedules, assigning work duties, and conducting orientation and training.

Turf Management and Agronomy:

• Develops and implements comprehensive turf management programs and agronomic plans, including pest control, irrigation, fertilization, and aeration

• Monitors and maintains optimal turfgrass health, growth, and playing conditions across all areas, including greens, fairways, tees, roughs, and practice facilities

• Identifies turf diseases, weeds, and pests, applying effective treatment solutions while prioritizing environmental health

• Ensures chemicals, petroleum and other controlled products are used, stored, and disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and maintain required records

Irrigation and Drainage:

• Manages and maintains the irrigation system, ensuring efficient water usage and proper functioning of pumps, sprinklers, and drainage infrastructure

• Monitors soil moisture and adjustments to irrigation schedules based on weather conditions and turf needs

• Operates computer weather station software and analyzes moisture & evaporation rates

Personnel Management:

• Recruits, trains, and supervises the golf course maintenance staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best practices

• Supervises, manages, coordinates and directs the operations and golf course staff and laborers, including full-time and seasonal employees

• Develops and implements staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and productivity

• Conducts performance evaluations, provides coaching, and supports professional development for team members

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Prepares and manages the annual budget, including labor, equipment, chemicals, and materials

• Tracks expenses, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures cost-effective operations without compromising course quality

• Provides recommendations for capital improvements and major maintenance projects

Equipment Maintenance and Management:

• Oversees the maintenance and repair of all golf course equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operation

• Conducts routine inspection of equipment and golf cart fleets to ensure safety and efficiency

• Develops and implements preventive maintenance schedules for mowers, sprayers, and other equipment

• Oversees and ensures the security of all Town property and equipment installed or maintained at the golf courses

Course Enhancement and Aesthetics:

• Implements strategies for landscape enhancement, including tree care, ornamental plants, and hazard maintenance

• Plans and develops maintenance programs for all building, grounds and equipment associated with golf course operations

• Ensures course set-up for daily play and special events, including proper marking, pin placement, the designation of patterns and heights of cuts and hazard maintenance

• Plans, directs and manages all non-concession clubhouse activities, turf care center and restrooms on the grounds

• Manages and oversees golf course concession operations

Administrative:

• Represents the Town at hearings and meetings related to the Golf Commission, Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, Representative Town Meeting and other Town boards, as needed

• Attends Board and Commission meetings as required

• Develops advertising, marketing and promotional materials for golf courses

•Attends meetings of department heads, boards, agencies, and community groups

• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action

• Performs other related duties as requested.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of management and maintenance of greens, fairways and roughs
• Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work
• Knowledge of safe use, mixing and application of chemicals, hazardous materials and commercial products
• Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play
• Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation patterns, drainage patterns, construct tees and/or greens
• Ability to adapt maintenance practices to enhance design features and golfer playability for all levels
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management practices
• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and best practices in golf course management
• Experience with GPS and mapping technologies for course maintenance
• Ability to perform in a courteous and professional manner at all times
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with staff, management, and guests
• Proficiency in computer software and report writing skills, specifically in MS Word and Excel

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college with major study in the field of Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in golf course maintenance with leadership

responsibilities

• Strong knowledge of turfgrass species, irrigation systems, and golf course architecture
• Certification through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) preferred
• Pesticide Application License

Minimum five (5) years of experience directly supervising subordinate staff and managing various projects

SCHEDULE

•Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM. (This position will require flexibility to work weekends, select holidays and irregular hours as needed).

AFFILIATION

• This is a non-affiliated management position, FLSA Exempt

THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Town of Fairfield to ensure equal employment opportunity for all employees and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability.