The City of Madison Parks Division is looking to hire our next lead Golf Course Superintendent. The successful candidate will play an integral role in maintaining the municipal golf courses in an efficient and effective manner, with the goal of improving course conditions and environmental sustainability practices. This position will be responsible for oversight of one 18-hole course and one 9-hole course, with support from a Golf Course Superintendent 1 based at the 9-hole course.

This is advanced-level greenskeeping and planning work on multiple municipal golf courses and involves the performance of a wide variety of greenskeeping functions and responsibility for planning and maintenance activities. The work is characterized by independent judgment in the technical aspects of golf course maintenance. In coordination with the Golf Program Director, this position assists in planning for overall course needs and maintenance activities. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Golf Program Director, or other higher level staff, who reviews the work periodically (through inspection and/or administrative review) for compliance with program objectives.

The successful candidate will oversee a large staff of permanent and hourly employees and is expected to independently perform the required functions of the position.

Oversee and participate in maintenance and improvement of all areas of golf courses

• Perform complex planning and scheduling of course maintenance, as typical of an 18-hole course with a high degree of play and special events.
• Inspect courses regularly and schedule work as necessary to ensure maintenance plans are being followed or adjusted as needed to ensure proper operation and upkeep for quality playing conditions. Coordinate work with other course greenskeepers.
• Make determinations regarding watering requirements, vertical mowing, aerification, and top dressing of greens and tees.
• Oversee and participate in fertilizer and pesticide application (including calibrating equipment and making applications as needed for fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides).
• Identify and respond to irrigation system problems (including performing routine system programming and repairs and reporting/referring more technical problems as appropriate).
• Mow, roll, blow, edge, water, and maintain greens, tees, fairways, roughs, and related course areas.  
• Manage natural meadows and invasive species, using mowing, chainsaws, and herbicides.
• Operate automotive and maintenance equipment such as flail mowers, tractors, plows, mowers, forklifts, skidsteers, Toolcats, and blowers.

Lead and direct crews

• Prepare daily work plans for crew to efficiently and effectively complete golf maintenance functions.
• Communicate plans with supervisor and modify as necessary.
• Provide training to all golf maintenance staff on job skills, proper use of equipment, and safety procedures, as well as department rules, policies, and procedures.
• Regularly check in with crews to evaluate performance and productivity. Make corrections as necessary. Provide input to supervisor regarding employee performance.
• Enforce City of Madison and Divisional policies and work rules. Report violations to supervisor as necessary.
• Support crews as necessary to facilitate efficient workflow.

Perform administrative functions related to golf maintenance 

• Maintain effective communications with the general public, league representatives, golf professionals, and clubhouse staff regarding course maintenance and playing conditions.
• Provide related written reports and suggestions for improvement.
• Participate in the development of budget estimates and maintain expenditure records.
• Order and purchase work supplies/materials and maintain inventory for assigned areas.
• Maintain records and files as necessary (e.g., personnel, attendance, pesticide applications, etc.).
• Review and ensure accuracy of time cards for assigned crew members.
• Write and review accident and incident reports as necessary.
• Plan for and support large golf and non-golf events.

 Preventive maintenance of equipment

• Perform routine equipment maintenance (including greasing, sharpening/changing blades, changing/maintaining fluid levels). 
• Transport equipment and vehicles for use, maintenance, storage, etc.
• Report damages and/or repairs to supervisor or mechanic as appropriate.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and repairs of equipment with Parks mechanics and Fleet Service.

Perform snow and ice control and support winter recreational activities

• Remove snow from assigned routes, lots, and roads.
• Perform assigned duties to support winter recreation (including grooming cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and other trails).

Perform other related duties as assigned

• Four (4) years of experience in applying the following:

• Principles, practices, and methods specific to golf course maintenance.  
• Turf and green considerations relative to course play, including plant science and soil health.
• Proper application of fertilizer and pesticides (including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides).
• Manually and automatically controlled irrigation systems as utilized in golf course maintenance.  
• Golf rules and play considerations. 
• Computer software applicable to the duties of the position.

-OR-

• Bachelor's Degree in turf management, soil science, botany, or a related field; AND
• Two (2) years of specialized experience equivalent to the level of Greenskeeper 1.

-OR-

• Five (5) years of experience in the care and maintenance of a golf course, which included two (2) years of specialized experience equivalent to the level of Greenskeeper 1; AND
• Completion of college coursework in turf management and/or soil science.

• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to efficiently travel between courses and/or other work locations during the workday.
• Employees will be expected to work on weekends and occasionally during the evening for lessons, leagues, special events, and as required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Wisconsin Pesticide Certification within six (6) months of appointment and to maintain certification. Failure to obtain the certification within the required time period may result in forfeiture of the position, absent extenuating circumstances.

• Ability to perform manual labor and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to physically access all golf course areas in order to oversee staff and monitor work that is performed; this includes accessing all types of terrain, including uneven, wet, muddy, or snowy terrain.
• Employees are expected to work with pesticides and must use appropriate safety techniques.
• Work is performed in all types of weather conditions.