What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulture Manager position at FL CLUB OPERATIONS LLC?
Location: The Fall Line – Mauk, GA
Department: Golf Maintenance/ Horticulture
Reports To: Horticulturalist and Director of Agronomy
About The Fall Line
The Fall Line is a premier private destination golf and sporting club located in Southwest Georgia. Our club offers state-of-the-art facilities, including two Ogilvy, Cocking and Mead–designed 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole short course, and world-class facilities for shooting, hunting, and angling. In addition to our outstanding outdoor offerings, we pride ourselves on exceptional hospitality, with multiple dining and lodging options, all enhanced by our 25-acre farm that serves as the centerpiece of our 4,500-acre property.
Position Summary
The Horticulturalist Manager is in a leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of landscape and horticultural operations across The Fall Line’s 5,000-acre property. With direct responsibility for managing and preserving a multi-million-dollar landscaping, this role ensures the highest standards of beauty, functionality, and environmental sustainability are achieved in all common areas, lodging facilities, golf courses, practice ranges, barns, and surrounding grounds.
The Horticulturalist Manager will report directly to the Horticulturalist and the Director of Agronomy and will lead teams in executing a world-class landscape management program that enhances the member and guest experience while protecting the natural character of the property.
Key Responsibilities
- Hands on leader directly involved with the management, maintenance and success of the horticulture operation.
- Lead, manage, and develop landscape and horticulture teams to deliver excellence across all landscaped areas of the 5,000-acre property.
- Ensure the health, quality, and appearance of landscaping assets including turf, trees, ornamental plantings, irrigation systems, and naturalized spaces.
- Direct the installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems to optimize plant health, water conservation, and efficiency.
- Oversee the safe application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, ensuring compliance with state/federal regulations and best practices.
- Collaborate with the Horticulturalist and Director of Agronomy to plan and implement seasonal landscape strategies, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives.
- Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping across golf courses, lodging facilities, common areas, barns, and event spaces.
- Develop and monitor operational budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocations for landscaping operations.
- Maintain compliance with environmental, OSHA, and safety standards in all horticultural practices.
- Establish best practices in water conservation, soil management, integrated pest management, and ecological preservation.
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships to ensure quality and timely completion of outsourced projects.
- Train and mentor staff in horticultural, irrigation, chemical application, and landscape maintenance techniques, with a focus on professional growth and continuous improvement.
- Act as a key ambassador of The Fall Line’s commitment to excellence, ensuring landscaping reflects the Club’s luxury brand and member expectations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, agronomy, or a related field required; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., ISA Certified Arborist, GCSAA, CLARB) preferred.
- 7 years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale horticultural or landscape management, preferably in luxury hospitality, resorts, or private clubs.
- Proven success managing multi-million-dollar horticultural/landscape operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair, including modern smart/automated irrigation technologies.
- State-issued Chemical Applicator Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire) required; demonstrated expertise in safe and effective fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide application.
- Knowledge of turfgrass management, ornamental plantings, water conservation, and integrated pest management.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and capital planning.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team development skills.
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to seasonal and operational demands.
- Commitment to sustainability, conservation, and innovative horticultural practices.
- This is a hands-on, physically demanding position. Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular bases. Frequent crouching, bending, reaching, digging, and other physical acumen are expected. Must be willing to work in all types of weather conditions.
EOE/EEO