Operator 1, Golf Maintenance

BlueStar Resort & Golf; Sun Lakes (AZ); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/life insurance after 60

Paid Time Off 120 hours/year

7 paid holidays annually

Paid Sick Leave for part-time

Job summary

BlueStar Resort & Golf is seeking an Operator 1 to join the Golf Course Maintenance Team at IronOaks in Sun Lakes, AZ. This entry-level position focuses on grooming the golf course under the Foreman and Superintendents, with opportunities to learn advanced maintenance skills.

The role requires a strong work ethic, ability to work evenings and weekends, and a willingness to follow safety protocols. Compensation ranges from $18.00 to $21.00 per hour for full-time employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Golf maintenance experience or related field preferred.
• Willing to learn and adapt to golf course maintenance tasks.
• Ability to read reports, plans, and SDS.
• Readiness to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Bunker raking, green and tee mowing, and various hand mowing tasks.
• Follow directions from foreman and superintendents; open to coaching.
• Work safely and use required PPE.
• Report unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisor.
• Communicate daily with supervisors about course conditions and maintenance ideas.
• Refuel daily vehicles and reload materials.
• Clean and maintain equipment; report issues to mechanic or supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Golf maintenance experience

Bilingual English/Spanish (plus)

Report to Foreman/Superintendent

Safety awareness and PPE

Ability to operate landscape tools

Independent worker

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Tools

Mechanical rakes

Reel and rotary walk mowers

Hedge trimmers

Line trimmers

Shovels and hand tools

Job description

IronOaks at Sun Lakes

Composed of two interconnected neighborhoods – Ironwood and Oakwood – the community is one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the Valley thanks to its mature landscape, diverse amenities, and in‑town location. It features two fantastic clubhouses, 45 holes of golf, fitness areas, tennis & pickleball, softball, pools, trails, and much more.

Position Overview

The Operator 1 is an entry‑level position on the Golf Course Maintenance Team responsible for grooming the golf course. This role reports to the Assistant Superintendent and may also take direction from the Superintendent, First Assistant Superintendent, Second Assistant Superintendent, and Crew Foreman.

Employment Status & Compensation

• Full Time
• Pay Range: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour
• Department: IronOaks at Sun Lakes
• Location: Chandler & Sun Lakes, Arizona

Benefits

• Eligible for company medical, dental, and life insurance after 60 days of full‑time employment (for those working 30+ hours/week)
• Accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 120 hours per year
• 7 paid holidays annually for full‑time team members
• Accrue Paid Sick Leave in accordance with state guidelines (for part‑time team members)
• 401(k) plan participation after 30 days of service for employees 21+ years

Key Responsibilities

• Bunker raking, green and tee mowing, and various types of hand mowing
• Follow directions and perform tasks under the supervision of the Foreman and Superintendents; willingness to be coached to increase knowledge within the position
• Work safely and use all assigned personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Report unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisor
• Communicate daily with supervisors to discuss challenges, concerns about the golf course, or maintenance suggestions
• Perform daily vehicle refueling and reloading of materials
• Clean and maintain all equipment daily; report issues to mechanic or supervisor
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Personal Attributes

• Highly customer‑oriented and responsive with a strong need for completion
• Capable of working under pressure and balancing multiple priorities and assignments
• Strong team‑building skills, including the ability to lead, cooperate, and motivate
• Role model who embodies BlueStar core values:
  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Respect for the Individual
  • Teamwork
  • Competitive Spirit

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications / Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Golf maintenance experience, or related field, preferred
• Documented knowledge of maintenance experience with references and work history
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
• Understanding of proper bunker maintenance, landscape trimming standards, and general entry‑level golf course maintenance preparation work
• Growing knowledge of proper equipment operation and clean‑up practices
• Ability to operate landscape maintenance tools including mechanical rakes, reel and rotary walk mowers, hover mowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers, hand and turbine blowers, weed eaters, hand rakes, and other hand tools (e.g., loppers, pruners, shovels)
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports, plans, labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and regulatory documents
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work independently
• Positive, effective communication with team members and supervisors about job tasks and responsibilities
• Willingness to accept responsibility for tasks, actions, and decisions; ability to make sound judgments
• Consistent achievement of high work standards; attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness
• Flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license may be required to operate some vehicles

Work Environment

• Outdoor environment with frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather conditions
• May require walking while carrying equipment or driving a vehicle on variable terrain and navigating typical golf course obstacles such as water, plants, and natural landscape
• Potential exposure to Arizona desert wildlife (snakes, scorpions, spiders, bobcats, javelinas, etc.)
• Occasional exposure to hazardous substances such as fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals; vibration
• Noise level is usually moderate but may vary with equipment or machines used
• Employees must wear all assigned PPE

Physical Demands

• Active position requiring standing, walking, sitting, driving, lifting, pushing, digging, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, climbing, using hands to fingers, touching and holding, and reaching
• Must be able to lift or move items up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

BLUESTAR RESORT & GOLF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER