Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance

Join an exciting team of professionals nationally recognized as one of the best clubs in America by Boardroom Magazine and Forbes Travel Guide. As the Ford is recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for its outstanding golf course, amenities, facilities, and its exceptional staff, its roots reach back more than a century to 1917, when American industrialist Henry Ford first encountered the land.

Our team lives and breathes the mission of teamwork, continuous improvement, individual responsibility, sharing information, ideas and solutions, commitment to our organizational core values and pride in providing personal services to members and guests.

Director of Golf Course & Grounds Maintenance

Status/Class Full Time/Salaried Exempt

Reports toGeneral Manager/COO

Job Purpose

The Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Agronomy Plan, Budgets, Capital Projects, Employee Partner retention, hiring, training, record keeping, cultural practices, communication with leadership team as well as membership, striving to make The Ford better every day. Must have knowledge of the Audubon Certification program and needs to understand what is necessary to maintain The Ford’s certifications and compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Oversee and directs all operations of the golf course and grounds maintenance departments. This includes budgeting and forecasting per club policies and timelines.

·       Plan and implement staffing schedules to ensure quality standards are achieved with high efficiency.

·       Develops the Annual AG Plan and operating plan with club GM/COO and Greens Committee. Implements the plan to ensure best in class quality and cost containment.

·       Ensures all standards are being followed, including but not limited to: equipment repairs, equipment storage, chemical and fertilizer storage and records, washing areas, restrooms, etc., whilst maintaining meticulous standards of cleanliness.

·       Supervise and lead course construction and renovation projects

·       Works closely with the Director of Golf as well as General Manager/COO to provide best in class conditions every day for our members.

·       Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, OSHA rules and regulations, all rules and regulations relating to chemical and fertilizer applications, storage, and disposal, employee safety, public safety, etc.

·       Management of Employee Partner activities for golf course and grounds maintenance teams including but not limited to personnel recruitment, training, performance evaluations, discipline and termination, turf science internship programs and staff housing, etc.

·       Maintain accurate records pertaining to departmental activities including, but not limited to: labor schedules, course maintenance programs and activities, construction activities, equipment inventory and repairs, safety meetings and activities, fertilizer & chemical applications and pest control practices.

·       Maintain necessary inventories, purchase necessary items while keeping mindful of the annual maintenance budget.

·       Maintain knowledge of current and projected industry developments through continuous attention to industry periodicals and participation in relevant trade associations and organizations.

·       Ensure that application equipment is calibrated properly along with overseeing or making fertilizer and pesticide applications, as necessary.

·       Perform routine inspection and upkeep of irrigation system including changes and repairs necessary.

·       Communicate with the GM/COO, the leadership team, the communications manager as well as members on upcoming maintenance activities and issues that maybe occurring.

Qualifications and Experience

·       Individual with 6+ years of progressive experience as a Golf Course Superintendent, Director of Agronomy, or similar position, in a high end private residential community, club, or resort known for its commitment to quality and the environment.

·       A career track record of stability, progressive responsibility, and maturity, who possesses the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards.

·       A recognized thought leader by GCSAA and USGA.

·       A verifiable and proven track record of high level, effective communications and project management acumen which has resulted in positive member satisfaction and confidence in process, execution and outcomes. 

·       Degreed professional in turfgrass, or related fields, with a professional certification with GCSAA and has applicable working knowledge of chemical application, golf course construction, drainage, and Audubon Sanctuary golf.

·       Certified in the application of chemicals.

·       A familiarity with low country: turf growing best practices including winter rye grass overseed and transition into warm season bermuda grass; knowledge of native species; invasive species; and grounds maintenance in a private community.

·       Competence with MS office as well creation and execution of preventative maintenance schedules for all equipment, including short- and long-term capital planning; irrigation software; job costing and labor costing.  

·       A positive, supportive, collaborative approach to challenges. Demonstrated “team approach” with peers, department heads, vendors and committees. 

·       Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills with the ability to adapt to unforeseen situation or events. A team and service-oriented individual with a strong work ethic.

·       Comfortable with both management and administrative role requirements.

·       An individual who demonstrates creativity, poise, and professionalism in all circumstances.

·       Bilingual (English – Spanish) communication ability preferred.