Golf Course Superintendent

Position Summary

Lancaster Country Club is seeking a Golf Course Superintendent to lead the maintenance, conditioning, and improvement of the golf course and surrounding grounds.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Superintendent will be responsible for agronomic programs, staff leadership, budgeting, scheduling, equipment management, irrigation, drainage, and long-range planning. This position requires a visible, hands-on leader who combines sound turf management with strong administrative and communication skills.

The successful candidate will establish clear priorities, organize the department effectively, and communicate proactively with management, department heads, Club leadership, and the membership. Experienced Superintendents and accomplished Assistant Superintendents ready to lead their own department are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Agronomy and Course Conditions

- Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance programs for greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, practice areas, and Club grounds.

- Manage cool-season turf through effective fertility, irrigation, cultivation, pest management, and disease prevention programs.

- Monitor course conditions and adjust practices to address weather, turf stress, drainage, and seasonal demands.

- Establish consistent standards for course presentation and playability that reflect member expectations and available resources.

- Manage tree and canopy programs to improve turf health, sunlight, airflow, safety, and playing conditions.

- Oversee irrigation and drainage system operation, maintenance, repairs, and improvement planning.

Department Administration and Financial Management

- Prepare and manage the annual grounds operating budget, including labor, supplies, fertilizer, chemicals, repairs, and contracted services.

- Monitor spending against budget, explain variances, and provide timely forecasts and recommendations.

- Develop daily, weekly, and seasonal work schedules with clear priorities and appropriate staffing.

- Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, maintenance, application, and personnel records.

- Prepare annual agronomic calendars and multi-year plans for course improvements, infrastructure, and equipment.

- Present recommendations with clear costs, priorities, timelines, and expected benefits.

Equipment Evaluation and Planning

- Evaluate the condition, suitability, reliability, and maintenance needs of the existing equipment fleet.

- Develop and maintain a prioritized, multi-year equipment replacement plan.

- Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs to protect equipment life and minimize downtime.

- Compare repair, replacement, purchase, and lease options and recommend practical solutions within the Club’s financial resources.

- Maintain equipment service records and train employees in safe operation and daily care.

Staff Leadership and Safety

- Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate grounds department employees.

- Establish clear expectations, accountability, and consistent work standards.

- Develop staff skills and promote teamwork, retention, and professional growth.

- Maintain safe working practices, equipment procedures, chemical handling, and required documentation.

- Oversee pesticide and fertilizer applications and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Communication and Club Coordination

- Communicate regularly with the General Manager regarding course conditions, staffing, spending, projects, and emerging concerns.

- Coordinate with the Head Golf Professional and other department heads to schedule maintenance around member play, outings, tournaments, and Club events.

- Provide clear, timely membership updates explaining maintenance practices, course conditions, projects, and weather-related impacts.

- Participate in relevant committee and Board meetings as requested, presenting plans and recommendations in understandable terms.

- Address questions professionally and communicate concerns early, together with proposed solutions.

Qualifications

- Degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.

- Progressive golf course maintenance experience with demonstrated supervisory responsibility.

- Strong working knowledge of cool-season turf, including bentgrass and Poa annua, and the challenges of maintaining playing conditions in the Northeast.

- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, organize work schedules, maintain records, and develop operating and capital plans.

- Experience evaluating equipment, coordinating maintenance, and planning fleet replacement.

- Working knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage, and golf course infrastructure.

- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

- Proficiency with spreadsheets, email, and software used for budgeting, scheduling, and recordkeeping.

- Valid driver’s license.

- Appropriate New York State pesticide applicator credentials, or the ability to obtain them before performing duties requiring certification.