VP of Agronomy

Job Description

Vice President of Agronomy

Reporting: The Vice President of Agronomy (VPA) reports directly to the COO. The VPA will work directly with the Vice Presidents of Operations to chart the agronomic strategy and coordinate oversight of each club’s golf course maintenance operations. VPA will communicate with the General Managers of the clubs regarding site visits, corrective action golf course maintenance personnel matters.

Location:  This position is based in Dallas, Texas corporate office but may spend 60-70% of work time in the field or remotely.

Travel: Required

Salary:  Commensurate with experience. Bonus consideration based on subjective evaluation of performance and the performance of Century Golf.

Benefits:  Executive level company benefits eligibility

Primary attributes of the VPA:

• The mature leadership ability to significantly influence organization performance internally and externally. Able to produce quality outcomes at a high level working with colleagues, company officers, clients, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Experienced golf course superintendent with significant knowledge and experience of golf course maintenance, construction, and environmental practices.
• Analytical and practical with respect to identifying and recommending and/or executing sound courses of action in business and agronomy that serve our clients and the company. Able to promptly identify and apply resources to problems in agronomy, construction, and organization.
• Able to produce clear, concise and accurate written communication. Effective public speaker.

Responsibilities

1. Review and contribute to the development of annual agronomic plans and budgets, and capital budgets, for the clubs.
2. Provide consultation to sites in the resolution of agronomic issues and challenges.
3. Work with Risk Management to provide the highest level of safety oversight for the clubs, recommending solutions and remedies where observed. Support safety initiatives and provide necessary coaching on safety issues to ensure safe working environments.
4. Assist in evaluation of efficiency and quality of course maintenance operations; and in the recruiting and evaluation of superintendents.
5. May provide project consultation for Century Golf and client golf course construction and environmental projects.
6. Direct the certification efforts of the properties with Audubon International, and develop and utilize other similar opportunities to evidence environmental responsibility and leadership.
7. Develop and inculcate in the company and sites environmental awareness, learning, programs and practices. Direct company “R&D” and new program development in environmental management.
8. Maintain current knowledge of industry practices, trends, innovations and developments.
9. Maintain awareness of practices and strategies of competitor firms in the industry.
10. Perform due diligence and evaluation of acquisition target properties.
11. Assist in the drafting of proposals in response to requests for qualifications/proposals; and participate in interviews with potential clients.
12. Lead the firm in development and implementation of industry leading, experimental, innovative, as well as mainstream, environmental programs and practices.
13. Purchasing: evaluate, approve and acquire equipment, and negotiate materials, services and supplies for the collective benefit of the properties. Direct national account and preferred vendor strategies for equipment, supplies, and services.
14. Represent Century Golf and assist the properties as needed in the negotiation and conservation of irrigation water.
15. Provide liaison and represent the firm to the GC maintenance and construction industries, including the USGA Turfgrass Advisory Service, GCSAA and regional golf associations.
16. Participate with transition teams in the takeover of new properties.
17. Work with HR et al. in the continuing training and development of our superintendents.
18. Consult with and support superintendents in selection and qualification of their key personnel as needed.
19. Participate with senior corporate colleagues in development of strategy and tactics for the company.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA or BS in agronomy/horticulture/plant/soil science from an accredited college/university or equivalent
• Experience in all phases of golf course management and turf culture
• Participatory knowledge of the game of golf and its rules
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the staff, golfing public and various outside agencies

Knowledge of:

• the construction, establishment and maintenance practices employed on golf course greens, tees, fairways, roughs and bunkers
• the planting and culture of turf grasses used on golf courses
• the planting, cultivating and pruning of ornamental plants, shrubs and trees
• the characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners
• pest control methods and materials
• drainage methods
• watering practices and irrigation systems, including wells, pumps and automatic controls
• the construction and maintenance needs of the maintenance facility, shelters,
• fences, bridges, golf cart paths, service roads, parking lots, ponds and streams
• Microsoft Windows applications