Golf Course Turf Manager

This position will be posted until filled.

The Golf Course Turf Manager is a leadership role with a core focus on advanced turfgrass management aligned with USGA best practices. This position oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of agronomic programs that ensure first-rate playing surfaces across City golf courses. Work includes managing turf performance, supervising course maintenance staff, coordinating vendor services, working within the approved annual budget, and maintaining adherence to sustainable environmental and agronomic standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

NOTE: The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Direct and implement comprehensive turfgrass management programs based on USGA recommendations, including aeration, topdressing, irrigation, pest control, mowing, and fertilization.

Manage and optimize irrigation systems, ensuring precise water usage based on evapotranspiration rates, soil moisture levels, and climate data.

Supervise turf maintenance operations for two golf courses, ensuring playability, safety, and aesthetics consistent with USGA course conditioning standards.

Recruit, train, and evaluate maintenance staff, emphasizing turf science, equipment safety, and best practices.

Diagnose and treat turf diseases and pest infestations using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Maintain detailed records of turf treatments, pesticide applications, and fertility programs for regulatory compliance and performance tracking.

Prepare agronomic budgets, recommend capital improvement projects for turf infrastructure, and track expenditures.

Coordinate with subcontractors and programming partners to align turf readiness with tournaments and scheduled play.

Respond to public inquiries related to course conditions, closures, or maintenance impacts and/or issues with residents neighboring the golf courses

Conduct environmental assessments to ensure turf management aligns with sustainable land use practices and local regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Advanced knowledge of turfgrass science, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology.

Proficiency with turf management software, GIS mapping, and weather-based irrigation technologies.

Strong understanding of USGA agronomic guidelines and current best practices in golf course conditioning.

Experience in selecting and maintaining specialized turf maintenance equipment.

Ability to analyze soil and tissue test results and adjust nutrient programs accordingly.

Effective leadership and team-building skills in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.

Budgetary and administrative skills to manage operational and capital resources.

Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including the preparation of technical reports.

Ability to make critical and difficult decisions with some direction that conform to the policies and procedures of the City and the Department.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors, city officials, and the general public.

Ability to communicate information tactfully and impartially, both in person and in writing with all staff, city officials, and the general public.

Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the City of Winter Park Core Competencies.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and keep accurate records.

This position is performed with detailed knowledge – the incumbent has a thorough understanding of nearly all information in relevant source documents and is considered an expert in a particular subject field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum associates degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a closely related field.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum of five years of experience in golf course turf management, including supervisory responsibilities.

Certified or actively pursuing certification as a Golf Course Superintendent A through the GCSAA.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies required for the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATIONS, TRAINING, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License, Class E or higher.

Possession of a current Florida Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Attendance at USGA regional agronomic conferences and turf science workshops is highly encouraged.

Note: All certifications must be current at the time of application and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Salary : $75,478 - $94,359