Head Golf Course Superintendent

Oakdale Golf & Country Club, a private country club with an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course in California, located just 90 minutes east of San Francisco in the small town of Oakdale, is seeking an experienced, hands-on Head Golf Course Superintendent to lead all aspects of golf course maintenance, agronomic planning, irrigation management, and grounds operations. Oakdale Golf & Country Club is a busy private club with a down-to-earth membership, playing more than 40,000 rounds annually, set the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your way to Yosemite National Park. Oakdale, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” is a family-oriented semi-rural community, with great schools, and a slower paced lifestyle. The management team at OGCC, including the General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, Food & Beverage Director, and Executive Chef, have more than 60 years combined experience at the club, and more than 100 in the golf industry. Recent course projects and improvements include major tee additions & renovation, renovation of all greenside bunkers, irrigation expansion, greens expansion, and a USGA guided fairway turf conversion plan that includes tree removal and the addition of hybrid Bermuda sod farms.  The club is committed to continuous improvement of the golf course while delivering an outstanding member experience. The successful candidate will be a visible leader who combines strong agronomic knowledge with practical management skills, a commitment to exceptional playing conditions, and the ability to effectively communicate with members, staff, committees, and club leadership. This position reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with the Golf Operations Committee and Board of Directors. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Agronomic Management - Develop and implement annual agronomic plans. - Establish and maintain exceptional playing conditions throughout the year. - Monitor and manage turf health, fertility programs, soil conditions, and disease prevention. - Develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. - Manage overseeding, renovation, and turf conversion projects. - Evaluate and implement new turfgrass varieties and maintenance practices. Irrigation Management - Oversee all irrigation system operations and repairs. - Monitor water usage and conservation efforts. - Develop watering schedules based on weather, soil moisture, and turf conditions. - Utilize moisture meters and data-driven irrigation practices. - Coordinate irrigation upgrades and capital improvement projects. Golf Course Operations - Direct daily course setup and presentation. - Coordinate tournament and event preparation. - Oversee bunker maintenance, landscaping, native areas, drainage systems, and tree management. - Ensure course conditions meet member and tournament expectations. Personnel Management - Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop maintenance staff. - Foster a positive, safety-focused work environment. - Schedule labor resources efficiently while maintaining quality standards. - Conduct performance reviews and disciplinary actions when necessary. - Develop succession plans and staff advancement opportunities. Budgeting & Financial Management - Prepare annual operating and capital budgets. - Monitor expenses and manage departmental financial performance. - Evaluate equipment replacement needs and capital projects. - Control costs while maintaining quality standards. Equipment & Fleet Management - Oversee maintenance facility operations. - Manage equipment replacement schedules. - Coordinate with mechanics and outside vendors. - Ensure equipment safety and operational readiness. Communication & Leadership - Attend Greens Committee, and management meetings. - Provide regular written and verbal updates regarding course conditions and projects. - Communicate effectively with members regarding agronomic practices and course improvements. - Work collaboratively with all club departments. Minimum Qualifications Education One of the following is preferred: - Associate's Degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field. - Bachelor's Degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, or related field. - Equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience. Experience - Minimum 5 years golf course maintenance experience. - Minimum 2–5 years supervisory or Assistant Superintendent experience. - Experience managing irrigation systems. Toro Lynx irrigation experience given extra consideration. - Experience preparing and administering budgets. - Experience leading teams of 10+ employees preferred. - Extra consideration will be given to candidates with experience working in the transition zone and/or on a cool season turf golf course. Certifications & Licenses Preferred: - GCSAA Class A Membership or ability to obtain. - California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC). - Valid California Driver's License. - Ability to maintain all licenses and certifications required by law. Preferred Qualifications Candidates with the following experience are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given extra consideration: - Private club experience. - Tournament preparation experience. - USGA greens management experience. - Water management and conservation planning. - Capital project management. - Golf course renovation experience. - Experience with hybrid Bermuda conversion programs. - Experience managing both cool-season and warm-season turf in California.