Golf Course Superintendent

Summary

The Golf Course Superintendent oversees the maintenance, agronomic health, and presentation of the golf course and practice facilities while supporting the educational mission of a PGA Golf Management (PGM) program at a college or university. This position balances championship‑level course conditions with student learning, environmental stewardship, and institutional standards.

Key Responsibilities

Course & Grounds Management

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, practice areas, and landscaped grounds
• Implement agronomic programs including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, and integrated pest management
• Monitor turf health, soil conditions, and weather trends to optimize playability and sustainability
• Prepare the course for varsity events, PGA activities, tournaments, instructional use, and invited public play

PGA Golf Management (PGM) Program Support

• Collaborate with the PGA Golf Management faculty and staff to support student learning objectives
• Provide hands‑on instructional support, demonstrations, and mentorship related to turfgrass management, agronomy, and golf course operations
• Assist with internships, work‑study programs, and cooperative education opportunities for PGM students
• Support PGA Accreditation standards related to turf and facility operations as applicable
• Participate in academic or advisory committees when requested

Staff Leadership & Training

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise full‑time, part‑time, and student employees
• Supervise and mentor interns and PGM students working within the maintenance operation
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with OSHA, NCAA (if applicable), and institutional safety requirements
• Conduct performance evaluations and lead professional development initiatives

Equipment, Irrigation & Facilities

• Manage maintenance of all turf equipment, irrigation systems, and maintenance facilities
• Ensure compliance with pesticide storage, chemical application, and recordkeeping standards
• Coordinate capital improvements and long‑range maintenance planning with university administration

Budgeting & Administration

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets
• Track labor, materials, equipment, and chemical costs
• Maintain accurate records required for regulatory compliance, audits, and academic reporting

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Lead sustainability initiatives aligned with university goals, including water conservation and environmentally responsible turf practices

Communication & Campus Relations

• Communicate regularly with athletic departments, PGM faculty, golf professionals, university leadership, and stakeholders
• Support campus events, collegiate tournaments, PGA activities, and community outreach
• Address feedback regarding course conditions professionally and collaboratively

Education & Certifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field ( preferred)
• Valid state pesticide applicator license (required or ability to obtain)
• GCSAA membership or Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) status

 

 

Experience

• 3–7 years of progressive golf course maintenance experience
• Supervisory or Assistant Superintendent experience preferred
• Experience working in an academic, municipal, or institutional golf environment strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, teaching, and mentoring abilities
• Advanced knowledge of turfgrass science and golf course agronomy
• Budget management and strategic planning skills
• Mechanical aptitude and irrigation system expertise
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, early mornings, and university event schedules
•  Proficient in Microsoft, Teams and excel

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Operation of golf course maintenance equipment

Work Environment

• Academic and outdoor setting
• Combination of operational, instructional, and supervisory responsibilities
• Exposure to chemicals and machinery with proper PPE