Director of Grounds - Essex County Club

Position Overview The Director of Grounds will have overall responsibility for the health, conditioning, presentation, and maintenance of the golf course, tennis facilities and surrounding grounds. This includes agronomic planning, turf management, irrigation, water management, pest and disease control, equipment management, budgeting, staffing, capital planning, and project execution. The Director of Grounds will report to the Grounds Chair and work closely with the General Manager, Grounds Committee, Golf Professional, Tennis Professional, Board leadership, and other department heads to establish and execute both short- and long-term strategies for the golf course, tennis courts and grounds. Club & Golf Course Highlights - Premier private club located on Boston's North Shore - Classic Donald Ross design - One of the top Tennis, Paddle and Pickle facilities in New England - Approximately 21,000 annual rounds - Grounds staff of approximately 28 employees - Annual agronomy/grounds operating budget of approximately $2.6m - Annual capital budget of approximately $360k - Modern John Deere and Toro equipment fleet - Grass and Clay tennis courts and additional club grounds requiring year-round maintenance - Significant long-term capital and course improvement initiatives underway Key Responsibilities Agronomic Planning & Turf Management - Develop and execute a comprehensive agronomic program designed to maintain exceptional playing conditions and presentation throughout the golf and tennis season. - Oversee the health and performance of all tennis facilities, greens, tees, fairways, roughs, native areas, bunkers, landscaping, and other maintained turf areas. - Develop annual fertility, cultural practices, aerification, topdressing, overseeding, pest management, and disease prevention programs. - Monitor soil, plant, and turf health and adjust agronomic practices based on weather, course conditions, play, and seasonal requirements. - Develop and implement comprehensive water management and irrigation strategies. - Maintain and continually improve the health and playing characteristics of the golf course and tennis facilities while preserving the historic character and architectural intent. - Implement environmentally responsible practices, including water conservation, integrated pest management, soil health initiatives, and responsible chemical use. Leadership, Staffing & Team Development - Lead, mentor, and develop a highly skilled and service-oriented grounds team. - Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate department employees. - Establish clear expectations and accountability while fostering a positive, professional, and team-oriented culture. - Develop training programs covering agronomic practices, equipment operation, safety, chemical application, and project execution. - Manage staffing levels and seasonal labor requirements to ensure the department is appropriately resourced throughout the year. - Create an environment where employees take pride in their work and consistently pursue excellence. Budget & Financial Management - Develop and manage the annual grounds operating budget in partnership with club leadership and Controller. - Develop and oversee the department's annual capital budget and long-range capital plan. - Effectively manage labor, materials, chemicals, equipment, utilities, and other operating expenses. - Evaluate equipment replacement needs and develop long-term fleet management strategies. - Maintain appropriate purchasing controls and relationships with vendors and suppliers. - Ensure department operations remain within approved budgets while maintaining the highest possible standards. Capital Projects & Project Management Essex County Club has a significant long-term vision for the golf course and grounds. The Superintendent will play a central role in planning and executing future improvements and infrastructure projects related to both golf and racquets facilities. Responsibilities will include: - Partner with club leadership, the Grounds Committee, architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors on course improvement projects. - Lead the planning and execution of capital projects affecting the golf course, racquets facilities and grounds. - Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements. - Coordinate contractors, vendors, club staff, and outside consultants. - Monitor project progress and quality while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within approved budgets. - Manage the impact of construction and capital work on daily golf and racquets operations and the member experience. - Develop and maintain a long-range agronomic and capital improvement plan for both the golf course and racquets facilities. Equipment & Facilities - Oversee the operation, maintenance, and replacement of the club's golf course maintenance equipment fleet. - Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient maintenance facility and equipment operation. - Establish preventive maintenance programs and appropriate equipment replacement schedules. - Evaluate new equipment, technology, and agronomic practices that may improve efficiency, quality, or sustainability. - Ensure all equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and club safety standards. Environmental & Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing pesticide applications, water use, environmental protection, worker safety, and related activities. - Maintain accurate records of chemical applications, fertilizer applications, irrigation, water usage, safety training, and other required documentation. - Maintain all required pesticide applicator licenses and certifications. - Promote environmentally responsible practices that protect and enhance the club's natural environment. Member Relations & Club Collaboration - Establish a professional and approachable presence with the membership while maintaining appropriate boundaries and focus. - Work closely with the Green Committee to communicate course conditions, agronomic practices, maintenance schedules, and long-term improvement plans. - Partner with the Golf and Racquets Professionals and their respective staffs to coordinate maintenance activities around tournaments, member events, and peak periods of play. - Collaborate with the General Manager and other department heads to ensure the grounds department supports the overall member experience. - Communicate proactively regarding significant maintenance activities, course conditions, and projects. - Represent Essex County Club professionally with members, guests, industry peers, vendors, and other clubs. Qualifications & Experience The successful candidate will possess most, if not all, of the following: - Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field preferred. - Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive golf course management experience , with significant experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent at a premier private club or nationally recognized golf course. - Demonstrated experience managing golf course operations in the Northeast/New England climate . - Experience at a highly regarded private club, championship venue, or nationally ranked golf course strongly preferred. - Deep knowledge of turfgrass agronomy, soil science, plant health, irrigation, fertility, pest management, and disease control. - Proven ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing grounds team. - Demonstrated experience developing and managing significant operating and capital budgets. - Strong project management experience, including working with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants. - Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. - Strong understanding of modern golf course maintenance practices and technology. - Ability to work effectively with club leadership, committees, members, vendors, and employees. - GCSAA membership and/or certification preferred. - Valid Massachusetts pesticide applicator license, or the ability to obtain one promptly, required. - A strong commitment to continuous improvement, professionalism, and maintaining the highest standards of golf course conditioning. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions - Full-time, year-round position. - Must be willing to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as required by course conditions, weather, tournaments, and club operations. - Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions. - Ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, climb, and operate golf course maintenance equipment. - Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. - Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where course conditions and operational priorities can change quickly.