The Gate Golf Club is a 9-hole golf course and state-of-the-art practice range project being developed on the former site of the Golden Gate Country Club in Naples, Florida. In addition to the golf course and range, the project includes a full-service restaurant, pavilion, golf shop, training facility, and offices of the Naples / Collier First Tee.
Golf course construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025 with an anticipated March 2026 opening. The Golf Course Superintendent will be an integral member of the golf course project construction and preopening team responsible for all aspects of the golf course grow-in, maintenance facility move-in, and generally preparing the golf course for opening and ongoing operations. This position reports to Bobby Jones Links’ Senior Vice President of Operations.
SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with Jacobsen Hardy Golf Design and the golf course builder offering insights to enhance the maintainability and playability of the golf course.
- Develop and execute the grow-in plan for the golf course including all day-to-day cultural practices, staff hiring, training, etc. with overarching responsibility to maximize the golf courses’ condition and health within the budget provided.
- Develop the annual maintenance budget and operating plan. Implement the plan according to Company operating policies and procedures to ensure cost containment.
- Plan and implement staffing schedules to ensure quality standards are achieved.
- Supervise all planting, fertilizing and care of turf, plants, shrubs, and trees on the golf course and grounds.
- Maintain accurate work records for all personnel in the department.
- Develop and implement an environmentally sensitive golf course maintenance plan including an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for proper turf grass and plant care.
- Work directly with the club’s leadership team to maximize communication and execution of their priorities.
- Supervise equipment maintenance and repair operations.
- Establish and implement a cleaning and preventative maintenance program for appropriate equipment, tools, vehicles, etc.
- Ensure maintenance of all appropriate quality and cleanliness standards including, but not limited to, employee hygiene and uniforms, equipment repair areas, equipment storage areas, chemical and fertilizer storage areas, receiving areas, washing areas, lunch room areas, restrooms, etc.
- Implement and monitor the purchase ordering and receiving program to maintain proper inventories of supplies and ensure proper quantity and price on all purchases.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, OSHA rules and regulations and ensure chemicals, petroleum, and other controlled products are used, stored, and disposed of by local, state, and federal regulations; maintain required records and strive to minimize the use of chemicals and petroleum products.
- Follow all State, Federal, and Bobby Jones Links’ human resources rules, including key policies such as hiring and firing, discrimination, and harassment.
- Implement and enforce a comprehensive safety program for employees, members, and guests on course in compliance with local, state, and federal laws; implement and manage the club’s hazard communication (HAZCOM) program.
- Maintain knowledge of current and projected industry developments through continuous attention to industry periodicals and participation in relevant trade associations and organizations.
- Inspect course regularly to evaluate and recommend improvements.
- Develop and maintain drainage, irrigation, and watering plans and programs.
- Oversee all construction, maintenance, and renovations on the golf course following the initial construction.
- Assure the efficient and timely submission of all required operational, financial, budgetary and related reports.
- Perform other duties as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture or Plant Science.
- Associate’s degree from an intensive two-year turf grass management program.
Required Skills
- 5 years of previous work experience as an assistant to an experienced Golf Course Superintendent required.
- Previous supervisory experience in a club or golf course setting.
- Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA), class A.
- Pesticide Application certification.
- Demonstrated experience and capability in the areas of budget development, fiscal management, strategic planning, staff management.
- Demonstrated quality written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to analyze and solve problems; efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure with minimal supervision; work flexible hours as required including nights/weekends.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
- Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
- Occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
- Able to meet and perform the physical requirements and work effectively in an environment typical of this position.
- Frequent lifting, bending, climbing, stooping, and pulling.
