Newport News Golf Club Seeks Manager of Golf Course Agronomy

Newport News Golf Club Seeks Manager of Golf Course Agronomy Newport News Golf Club Seeks Manager of Golf Course Agronomy

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES Under limited supervision, this position performs advanced managerial and technical work directingall agronomic operations for the City’s golf course. The position oversees all golf course maintenanceand agronomic operations to provide safe, high-quality playing conditions while effectively managingstaff, budgets, equipment, facilities, natural resources, and environmental compliance. Reports to theAdministrator of Parks Stewardship and Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Plans, directs, and supervises daily and seasonal maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs,bunkers, landscaped areas, and other course features. Develops and implements agronomic programsand cultural practices to promote turfgrass health, including mowing, aeration, fertilization, seeding,irrigation, and pest, disease, and weed management. Oversees pesticide and herbicide activities andcoordinates the application of fertilizers, grass seed, pesticides, herbicides, and related materials. Ensures proper application, handling, storage, documentation, and regulatory compliance. Managesirrigation systems and water usage, including system operation, maintenance, and repairs, whilepromoting efficient water use and environmental stewardship.

Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of maintenance personnel and seasonal employees; participatesin hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating staff; and ensures compliance with workplace safetyrequirements.

Develops and manages operating and capital budgets and oversees the procurement, maintenance,repair, and replacement of equipment, machinery, supplies, and materials. Maintains appropriateoperational, financial, inventory, application, and regulatory records. Develops and recommends longrange plans, policies, procedures, and management systems for golf course operations andimprovements. Participates in capital improvement projects and coordinates maintenance activitieswith tournaments, projects, and daily course operations.

Collaborates with golf course manager, Golf Advisory Committee, industry representatives,contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders regarding course conditions, operational priorities,maintenance activities, and long-term improvements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the communityand the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are alsoexpected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Golf Course Maintenance and Agronomy – Comprehensive knowledge of golf course maintenance and agronomic principles and practices, including turfgrass management, soil science, plant health, mowing, aeration, fertilization, seeding, topdressing, pest and disease management, weed control, bunker maintenance, and other cultural practices necessary to provide safe, consistent, and highquality playing conditions. Irrigation and Water Management – Comprehensive knowledge of golf course irrigation systems, irrigation scheduling, system operation, maintenance and repair, drainage, water conservation, and water-use practices necessary to maintain healthy turf and promote responsible environmental stewardship. Pesticide and Fertilizer Management – Comprehensive knowledge of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, soil amendments, and related materials, including their proper selection, application, handling, storage, recordkeeping, and disposal in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Equipment and Facility Management – Considerable knowledge of the operation, preventivemaintenance, repair, replacement, and lifecycle management of golf course maintenance equipment, machinery, tools, maintenance facilities, and related infrastructure. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance – Considerable knowledge of environmental stewardship principles, occupational hazards and safety practices, pesticide regulations, hazardousmaterials management, water management, and applicable federal, state, and local regulatoryrequirements. Financial and Operational Management – Considerable knowledge of budget development and administration, purchasing, procurement, inventory control, cost management, resource allocation, and capital and equipment replacement planning. Strategic and Capital Planning – Knowledge of short- and long-range planning principles related to golf course maintenance, agronomic programs, infrastructure, equipment, course improvements,and capital projects. Leadership and Supervision – Considerable knowledge of leadership and supervisory principles and practices, including staff selection, training, scheduling, work assignment, performancemanagement, employee development, team building, workplace safety, and accountability. Golf Course Operations and Customer Service – Considerable knowledge of golf course operations and the relationship between maintenance practices, course setup, tournaments and events, playing conditions, and the overall golfer experience. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing quality public services and evaluating customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Technology and Recordkeeping – Skill in the use of computers and applicable software for word processing, spreadsheets, budgeting, irrigation management, maintenance planning, scheduling, inventory management, regulatory recordkeeping, work order management, and related operational functions. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Uses logic, professional judgment, agronomic knowledge, and available data to assess complex conditions; diagnose turf, irrigation, pest, disease, equipment, and operational issues; evaluate alternatives; and implement effective solutions. Leadership and Team Development – Skill in leading, motivating, training, and developing employees; establishing performance expectations; promoting accountability; and fostering a safe, productive, and professional work environment. Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees at all levels, golf course management, City departments, golfers, contractors,vendors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. Effectively responds to and resolves complexinquiries and operational concerns.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Coordination of Work – Ability to plan, prioritize, assign, direct, monitor, and evaluate daily andseasonal golf course maintenance activities based on agronomic requirements, weather andenvironmental conditions, staffing and equipment availability, course conditions, tournaments, projects, and operational priorities. Agronomic and Operational Decision-Making – Ability to evaluate turfgrass and playingconditions, interpret environmental and weather factors, and adjust maintenance, irrigation,fertilization, pest management, and cultural practices to achieve desired course conditions whileprotecting long-term turf health. Financial Management – Ability to develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets; analyze expenditures and operational data; establish priorities; manage resources; and plan for equipment and infrastructure needs. Planning and Organization – Ability to develop and implement short- and long-range agronomic, maintenance, equipment, infrastructure, and capital improvement plans and establish effective programs, procedures, and management systems. Communication – Ability to effectively communicate technical and operational information verbally and in writing to employees, management, City leadership, golfers, contractors, vendors,and other stakeholders, including information regarding course conditions, maintenance activities,projects, operational issues, and regulatory requirements. Adaptability and Judgment – Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and modify work plans and operational priorities in response to changing weather, environmental conditions, turfhealth, emergencies, staffing, equipment availability, tournaments, and other operational demands.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Plant Science, or aclosely related field and 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in golf course maintenanceand agronomic operations, including 3–5 years of lead or supervisory experience, or an equivalentcombination of education and experience.

Requires a valid Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate and a Certified Fertilizer Applicator License.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check, sex offenderregistry check and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation.

Attain and maintain valid Adult and Child CPR/AED certifications within 6 months of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work to include prolonged standing and walking over uneven terrain. Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES The position is exposed to a moderate level of risk associated with golf course maintenance operations,including exposure to pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, fuels, chemicals, powered equipment, machinery,and irrigation systems.

Additional risks include extreme weather, lightning, uneven terrain, insects, and prolonged sunexposure.

Target Hiring Range: $84,000 – $92,000 Based on Experience.