Head Golf Course Superintendent, Moorhead Country Club GCSAA

BoardRoom magazine; Moorhead (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Moorhead Country Club is seeking a hands-on Golf Course Superintendent to lead maintenance and grounds operations, develop staff, and ensure healthy turf with consistent playing conditions.

The role emphasizes clear communication with members, collaboration with the General Manager, Golf Professional, and Greens and Grounds Committee, and involvement in long-term course improvements.

Qualifications

• Progressive golf course maintenance experience with supervisory responsibility.
• Degree or certificate in turfgrass management, agronomy, or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation, drainage, fertility, pest management, and equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with members, staff, and leadership.
• Collaborative leadership style, organizational skills, and experience managing staff, budgets, and schedules.
• Must obtain Minnesota pesticide applicator license.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance and grounds operations, develop staff, manage resources, and ensure high-quality play.
• Provide regular updates to members about conditions, maintenance, and priorities.
• Oversee irrigation, drainage, water use, and system improvements.
• Coordinate course setup, schedules, and tournament preparation with golf operations.
• Maintain records for applications, maintenance, safety, and compliance.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Turfgrass management

Irrigation

Communication

Leadership

Pesticide license (Minnesota)

Education

Turfgrass management degree or certificate

Job description

Golf Course Superintendent

Moorhead Country Club | Moorhead, Minnesota

Reports to General Manager | Department Greens and Grounds | Full time

Position Summary

Moorhead Country Club is seeking a hands-on Golf Course Superintendent who combines strong agronomic expertise with collaborative leadership and proactive member communication. The Superintendent leads golf course maintenance and grounds operations, develops staff, manages resources, and delivers healthy turf and consistent, high-quality playing conditions.

The successful candidate will be a visible, approachable team player who takes ownership of the course and the communication surrounding it. Working with the General Manager, Golf Professional, and Greens and Grounds Committee, the Superintendent will guide daily priorities and contribute expertise to long-term course improvements.

Leadership and Member Communication

Communication is a central expectation of this position. The Superintendent will take the lead in explaining agronomy, course conditions, maintenance practices, and the overall state of the course through clear written updates and direct conversations with members.

• Provide regular written course updates explaining current conditions, upcoming maintenance, project progress, and long-term priorities.
• Maintain a visible presence and engage comfortably with members through daily interactions, meetings, and course presentations.
• Proactively explain weather impacts, turf challenges, maintenance disruptions, and recovery plans, including the reasons behind decisions and anticipated outcomes.
• Listen respectfully to feedback, respond professionally, and follow through on concerns and commitments.
• Coordinate timely, consistent messaging with the General Manager, Golf Professional, and membership and marketing staff.
• Build a collaborative department culture and strong relationships across club operations.

Agronomy and Course Operations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive agronomic program covering turf health, fertility, pest management, mowing, cultural practices, and seasonal preparation.
• Oversee irrigation, drainage, and responsible water use; identify system issues and coordinate repairs and improvements.
• Evaluate playing conditions regularly and make timely, practical decisions that balance turf health, member expectations, and available resources.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules, course setup, and tournament preparation with golf operations.
• Maintain accurate application and maintenance records and ensure proper chemical handling, storage, and safe equipment operation.

Staffing and Resource Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate maintenance employees; develop staff skills and establish clear performance expectations.
• Prepare departmental operating budgets and forecasts with the General Manager, monitor expenditures, and communicate variances and resource needs.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, inventory, purchasing, and replacement planning.
• Provide regular updates to club leadership on staffing, course conditions, departmental performance, and project priorities.
• Contribute agronomic and operational expertise to course planning, infrastructure improvements, and capital projects.
• Oversee club landscaping and exterior grounds maintenance, seasonal cleanup, snow removal, and designated outdoor facility maintenance.
• Promote a safe, organized workplace and compliance with applicable pesticide, environmental, and workplace requirements.

Qualifications

• Progressive golf course maintenance experience with demonstrated supervisory responsibility. Superintendent experience preferred; accomplished Assistant Superintendents ready to lead an operation are encouraged to apply.
• Degree or certificate in turfgrass management, agronomy, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation, drainage, fertility, pest management, and golf course maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with members, staff, committees, and club leadership, verbally and in writing.
• A collaborative leadership style, strong organizational skills, and experience managing staff, budgets, and maintenance schedules.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate Minnesota pesticide applicator license.

About Moorhead Country Club

Moorhead Country Club | Moorhead, Minnesota Founded in 1937, Moorhead Country Club is a private, member-owned club in the Fargo–Moorhead community. The club features an 18-hole golf course, practice facilities, a clubhouse with dining and event space, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Our golf calendar includes the Red River Amateur and The Murph, our annual member-guest tournament. We take pride in providing consistent playing conditions and making members feel at home at the club. Our Greens and Grounds, Golf Operations, and clubhouse teams work closely together to support daily play, tournaments, and member events. We value a superintendent who enjoys being out on the course, getting to know members, and explaining the work that goes into caring for it. Moorhead Country Club is planning for the long-term care and improvement of the golf course, including evaluating irrigation needs and future course projects. Our next superintendent will have a voice in shaping those priorities while leading the team responsible for the course our members play every day.