Golf Course Superintendent, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Golf Course

BoardRoom magazine; Dawson Springs (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms

Paid health and life insurance

Vacation and sick leave

Holiday pay

Retirement

Job summary

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Golf Course in western Kentucky seeks a Golf Course Superintendent to lead maintenance and agronomic operations, including overseeing staff, irrigation, and budget to ensure a high-quality golf product. Experience in turf management and a Kentucky pesticide license are required; travel for turf and department meetings is expected.

A valid driver’s license is required, and licensure must be maintained.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree in plant science, turf management or related field.
• Must possess Kentucky Pesticide Applicator License within three months of employment.
• Three years as Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent preferred; relevant certificates may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all golf course maintenance and agronomic operations.
• Develops and manages maintenance work plans daily/weekly/annual.
• Oversees irrigation systems and maintenance of turf equipment.
• Manages golf course budget and cost control to ensure quality within budget.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises maintenance staff; oversees projects with contractors.

Skills

Driver's license

Pesticide license

Budget management

Staff supervision

Irrigation systems

Education

Associate degree in plant science or turf management

Certificate of Turfgrass Management

Job description

Pennyrile Forest State Park Golf Course offers a scenic and relaxing round of golf amid the rolling terrain of western Kentucky. Carved through the heart of Pennyrile Forest, the 18-hole course is surrounded by mature hardwoods, gently sloping fairways, and a peaceful natural setting that reflects the park’s rugged beauty. Players of all skill levels will enjoy the course’s thoughtful layout, which blends open stretches with wooded holes to provide both challenge and playability. With its quiet atmosphere and close connection to the surrounding forest, Pennyrile State Park Golf Course delivers an enjoyable golf experience in one of Kentucky’s most serene outdoor landscapes.

More information can be found at: https://parks.ky.gov/explore/pennyrile-forest-state-resort-park-golf-course-8151

Benefits: Compensation is based on a 37.5-hour workweek, with compensated overtime. 5% salary increase after nine-month probationary period. 11 paid holidays. Voting leave. Professional organization dues provided. Benefits include uniforms, paid health and life insurance, ample vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirement, and optional deferred compensation plan.

Some travel required for turf and department meetings and conferences. Overtime and weekends required periodically. Salary based on education and experience.

Responsible for all phases of golf maintenance and agronomic operations, cost control, and personnel. Supervises employees and assists in the care and maintenance of the turf, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and wetlands on the facility grounds. Develops and implements maintenance work plans on a daily/weekly/annual basis to meet agronomic needs of the golf course with consideration to the golfer usage and other guest related activities. Oversees the use and maintenance of the golf course irrigation system and all turf maintenance equipment (mowers, sprayers, tractors, aerators, utility vehicles, golf carts, etc.). Creates and manages the golf course maintenance budget to control costs and optimize the quality of the golf product within the parameters of a budget. Recruits, hires, and supervises golf maintenance staff. Oversee all in-house projects required to manage the golf course and provides close oversight of all projects involving outside contractors. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license to qualify for employment in this job classification. Must obtain Kentucky Pesticide Applicator License within three months of employment. The N-18 Pesticide Applicators License required by this position can be obtained by passing the test administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials. Some travel required for turf and department meetings and conferences. Overtime and weekends required periodically. Work is typically performed outdoors and involves use of potentially toxic materials such as insecticide, fungicides, and fertilizers. Salary based on education and experience.

Education Requirement – Graduate of a college or university with an associate degree in plant science, turf management or related field. Three years as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Golf Course Superintendent in addition to a Certificate of Turfgrass Management from an accredited university can substitute for the required education.

Experience – One year experience as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.

Application deadline: August 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Upon appointment, employees in this class may be required to maintain a valid driver’s license and required to drive a licensed vehicle. This status may be necessary for the length of time in this class. If this is necessary, it will be listed in the specific position description for that position. Applicants and employees in this job title may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check. THE COMMONHEALTH OF KENTUCKY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONALORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENETIC INFORMATION OR VETERAN STATUS. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.

About Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Golf Course The Kentucky State Parks feature some of the most striking landscapes in Kentucky, nationally recognized golf courses, lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see and state park lodges that combine historic charm with today's conveniences in addition to many other recreational amenities. As the largest operator of golf courses in Kentucky, we have successfully recruited and hired a number of great Superintendents and other key golf course maintenance professionals from all over the U.S. that have found being a part of our family oriented team a good fit for their career.