Head Superintendent - Westlake Country Club

About the position The Head Superintendent is responsible for the leadership, planning, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all golf course and practice facility turfgrass, landscapes, and related systems at Westlake Country Club. This includes greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, practice areas, clubhouse surrounds, and any other maintained grounds that impact the golfer and guest experience. This position is a key member of the venue leadership team with responsibility for agronomic strategy, capital and operating budgets, staff leadership, safety and environmental compliance, and daily course conditioning standards. The Head Superintendent leads the agronomy team (including the Assistant Head Superintendent, Equipment Supervisor, irrigation staff, and grounds crew) and works closely with the General Manager, Golf Operations leadership, and Food & Beverage to ensure the golf course is guest-ready every day and aligned with Company performance standards. Responsibilities • Develop, document, and execute a comprehensive agronomic plan for all golf course and practice facility playing surfaces, aligned with budget, climate, and club standards for conditioning and playability. • Plan and direct all daily and seasonal maintenance activities, including mowing, aeration, topdressing, fertilization, irrigation, pest and disease management, overseeding, and repair of greens, tees, fairways, rough, and bunkers. • Lead, mentor, and develop the agronomy team, including Assistant Head Superintendent, Equipment Supervisor, irrigation technicians, and grounds crew; set clear expectations, schedules, and performance standards. • Establish and enforce detailed course setup and presentation standards (hole locations, tee marker placement, bunker raking, mowing patterns, divot and ball mark repair) that support a high-quality golfer experience for daily play, leagues, and tournaments. • Collaborate closely with the General Manager and Golf Operations leadership on course access, tournament and league schedules, maintenance windows, and communication of course conditions or restrictions (cart path only, frost delays, aerification, etc.). • Prepare, manage, and forecast the agronomy operating budget, including labor, materials, water, fuel, and repairs; monitor expenses against budget and identify opportunities for efficiencies and reinvestment. • Develop and maintain a multi-year capital plan for course infrastructure and equipment (mowers, utility vehicles, irrigation systems, bunker liners, drainage, etc.), including justification, specification input, and implementation in partnership with the General Manager and Company support teams. • Oversee the Equipment Supervisor, mechanic, and maintenance shop to ensure all equipment is maintained, repaired, and rotated according to manufacturer guidelines and safety standards. • Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and programming of the irrigation system; monitor water quality and usage and implement water conservation practices where possible. • Implement and oversee an integrated pest management (IPM) program that emphasizes sound agronomic practices, environmental stewardship, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to chemical and fertilizer use. • Maintain all required records for pesticide and fertilizer applications, water usage, equipment inspections, and regulatory reporting; ensure all licensing and certifications for the course and applicable team members remain active and in good standing. • Develop, document, and train the agronomy team on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment operation, traffic control, personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout, and emergency response for spills, severe weather, or other incidents. • Partner with Company and venue leadership on safety and risk management initiatives, OSHA compliance, workers' compensation follow-up, and implementation of the facility Emergency Action Plan as it relates to agronomy and grounds operations. • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for course conditioning, equipment uptime, safety, and team performance; use data and member feedback to drive continuous improvement. • Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, agronomic consultants, and neighboring facilities; stay current on turf research, innovations, and best practices and introduce appropriate improvements at the venue. • Participate as an active member of the venue leadership team, supporting cross-departmental initiatives, staff training, and Manager-on-Duty (MOD) coverage as assigned. • Complete special projects, daily assignments, and other duties as assigned by the General Manager. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field preferred • 7–10 years of progressive golf course maintenance experience at an 18-hole or larger facility, including at least 3–5 years in a superintendent, senior assistant superintendent, or equivalent leadership role, with a track record of delivering high-quality, consistent playing conditions. • Demonstrated success delivering consistent, high-quality playing conditions through sound agronomic practices and effective daily course setup. • Proven ability to build, lead, and retain high-performing teams, including hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating staff. • Strong budget management experience, including operating and capital planning, vendor negotiation, and cost control, in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. • Deep technical knowledge of turfgrass species, soils, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and equipment relevant to the club's specific climate and course design. • Current state pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe). • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. • Proficiency with common office software (Word, Excel, email) and ability to learn SFC systems, including work order, purchasing, and HR platforms. • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on weather, agronomic needs, and tournament schedules. • A collaborative, service-oriented leadership style with the ability to partner effectively with Golf Operations, F&B, events, and Company corporate support teams. • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly explain agronomic plans and impacts to non-technical stakeholders (GM, staff, committees, and members). • Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.