Golf Course Superintendent

Purpose

The Golf Course Superintendent of Blacklick Woods is responsible for the turf management and grounds maintenance operations, which include an 18-hole Championship Course, 9-hole Learning Course, practice facilities, formal landscapes, and naturalized acreage.

Example of Duties

Manages the course turfgrass; applies agronomic best practices to maintain turfgrass, including monitoring, planning, scheduling, seeding, mowing and rolling, irrigation, aeration, fertilization, and application of pesticides. Ensures compliance with regulations.

Identifies and diagnoses issues like diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, etc.

Develops and implements turf management strategies to increase Zoysia grass coverage, leveraging the grass's drought tolerance and low-maintenance characteristics to enhance course sustainability and reduce long-term costs.

Supervises golf course staff which includes; performance management (training and development, coaching, appraisals, etc.) scheduling, assigning and inspecting work, and resolving employee concerns;

Develops and implements comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all employees, patrons, and guests on the golf course.

Oversees the maintenance of all structural facilities and maintains detailed records of all activities.

Establishes and implements work procedures to ensure grounds and structures are properly maintained (e.g. turf culture and IPM, irrigation practices and irrigation system upkeep, equipment repair and maintenance, spray applications and rate calibrations, structural repairs).

Researches and recommends equipment purchases. Decides on and initiates the purchase of materials or supplies needed for projects.

Assists with the golf course maintenance budget; provides input regarding capital improvement priorities; monitors budget and maintains expense records; estimates and procures supplies for special projects; prepares reports as necessary.

Manages the maintenance and operation of reel mowing systems.

Maintains the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification.

Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Turfgrass Science, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture Technology, Agronomy, or related field of study; supplemented by four years of experience in turfgrass management or golf course management which includes supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. Experience with computerized irrigation systems and repairs. Technical skills in golf course maintenance equipment (tractors, front end loader, mowers, etc.) required.

Team-Oriented: Works on a team. Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Attendance: Being present at work is an essential function of the position. This position works out of Blacklick Woods Golf Course.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, other professionals, contractors, vendors, the general public and public officials. Ability to set appropriate priorities. Ability to establish effective working relationships as supervisor of a work unit; develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, the general public, sales representatives, vendors, contractors, etc. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports. Ability to effectively communicate the meaning of non-verbal data and relationships and to explain technical information in everyday language which non-technical people can understand. Communication occurs daily.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to deal with non-verbal symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections.

Technology Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, purchasing software, Microsoft 365, computerized irrigation systems, spreadsheets and basic office equipment. Ability to learn relevant computer programs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and develop appropriate recommendations to resolve identified problems; ability to proofread technical materials, recognize errors and make corrections; ability to gather, collate and classify information about data, people, and things. Ability to design and produce concise, and accurate reports that provide management with meaningful data for decision-making. Ability to understand broad organizational objectives.

Licenses, Registrations: Possession of an Ohio pesticide applicator's license, valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six (6) months of employment. Possession of a valid Ohio driver license, insurable by the Park District insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy as approved by the Board of Park Commissioners. GCSAA Membership preferred.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk, talk and hear, bend, lift, operate grounds maintenance equipment, work with hands, use power and hand tools, drive park vehicles, etc. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to perform maintenance tasks on course, operate irrigation system, use calculator, computer and complete reports. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms, etc. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee spends a portion of their time working in the maintenance shop. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee is required to travel to the District Office and other parks for meetings, training, etc. Employee must be prepared to work flexibles schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

Additional Information: Knowledge of turf management, equipment and materials utilized in golf course maintenance, the proper application of chemical pesticides, supervision, safety practices and procedures, and inventory control.

Other Information

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.

Supervision

Received: Golf Course Manager/Professional, Assistant Golf Course Manager

Given: Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Park Technicians (all levels)

FLSA Status

Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time. Internal policies regarding compensatory time may apply.