Golf Course Superintendent

Woodberry Forest School, located in Madison, VA,  is an exceptional private boarding school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest for boarding schools in Virginia, and one of the largest private school campuses in the country.

Job Overview: This is a working position. The Woodberry Forest golf course is nine holes, with practice facilities, and is comprised of a relatively small group of employees that are tasked with many widely varying responsibilities. The makeup of the workforce is such that members of one department may be tasked with various responsibilities that may directly relate to another department in order to fulfill a particular need, be it student/member-related, golf course-related, grounds-related, and the like. Although the Golf Course Superintendent's responsibilities are outlined in the sections that follow, the Golf Course Superintendent at some point may be required to assist members of other departments as directed by the Grounds Manager or the Administration. In general, the responsibilities of the Golf Course Superintendent are focused on the golf course operation and maintenance, assisting with the maintenance of golf course equipment, and a summary of responsibilities will include but not be limited to turf grass/plant material maintenance programs, property/asset management, personnel management, budget/forecasting, financial management, student/member relations, scheduling/maintenance of irrigation systems and pump stations, pesticide applications, related recordings, and compliance of regulatory issues. The Golf Course Superintendent must facilitate an environment where staff is involved and enthusiastic, with open communications and respect for themselves, students, members, and school administration.

Job Type/Duration: The Golf Course Superintendent position is to be considered an employment at will, full-time, hourly position. The Golf Course Superintendent's weekly hours will vary greatly depending on the time of year. For example, it is not uncommon for the Superintendent to be on property 45 or more hours per week during the peak season but will require fewer hours during the offseason.

Reports to: Grounds Manager. The Golf Course Superintendent assumes responsibility for managing, maintaining, and completing daily tasks of the golf course under the supervision and instruction of the Grounds Manager. 

Basic Functions:  Responsible for all phases of golf course maintenance and agronomic operations and related personnel.  Ability to write or coordinate a nutrient management plan in compliance with state-mandated guidelines and regulations. Work closely with, and coordinates with the Grounds Manager on any issues related to golf course maintenance. Administer and enforce all course rules, regulations, and policies for staff.  Support and assist the golf team, coaches, and members with well-manicured golf course and practice facilities.  Work closely with the Grounds Manager to operate the golf course in a fiscally responsible and professional manner.  Must be able to work independently and be a self-starting problem solver. 

Primary Duties:  Oversee the care and maintenance of golf course turf, and practice areas including the driving range, plants, shrubs, trees, and wetlands on the facility grounds.  Direct and assist the staff on the planting of new vegetation, the replacement, spraying, pruning, and trimming of trees and shrubs, and tending to high-stress turf areas.  Manage water usage tracking plan for irrigation systems and provides annual reporting on retaining ponds, wells, and other water source usage.  Recruit, supervise, and retain maintenance staff. Conduct employee performance evaluations and exercises disciplinary action.  Provide technical, operational and safety training for employees to ensure that staff is working within OSHA, School safety, and state and federal guidelines for safe working conditions.  Oversee subordinates in proper and safe operation and maintenance of mechanical and power equipment. Make recommendations relating to additional or replacement capital equipment.  Supervise and participate in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the school's grounds in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.  Supervise and control all maintenance expenses associated with golf course operations, including, supplies, chemicals, seed, and fertilizers.  Maintain records and complete required reporting. Prepare orders for parts, supplies, and equipment and submit those orders to suppliers as needed. Schedule maintenance practices around the students, member play, and outings to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to users.  Assist the Mechanic and schedule the maintenance of golf course equipment and maintain records on maintenance performed. Schedule daily checks and cleaning of potable water sources.  Oversee scheduling and routing of personnel and equipment to accomplish Golf Course tasks which must include time for the superintendent to assist in the completion of tasks alongside other Golf Course personnel.  Communicate regularly with other members of the school to discuss activities, goals, plans, and student/member input.  Must maintain continuing education for supervisory pesticide and chemical spray licensure in the State of Virginia for self and the staff. Assist with student life, events, and programs during the school year. Assist with snow removal and perform other duties as required.