Director of Agronomy

By The Santaluz Club, March 3 - San Diego, California

The Santaluz Club seeks a disciplined, strategic, and forward-thinking Director of Agronomy to lead one of the Club’s most visible and critical assets — the golf course and surrounding landscapes. This position operates as the executive leader of agronomic operations, carrying full accountability for: Championship-level course conditioning Environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance Water resource strategy Infrastructure and irrigation performance Financial and capital planning Team leadership and culture development Technology integration and operational innovation Long-term infrastructure planning The Director functions not simply as a superintendent, but as a senior operational executive within a member-owned governance structure. Success requires executive presence, financial fluency, agronomic expertise, and the ability to balance member expectations with long-term asset stewardship. THE CLUB The Santaluz Club is a premier, family-oriented private club centered on championship golf, racquet sports, fitness, aquatics, dining, and year-round social engagement. The Club is guided by a clear strategic vision emphasizing: Exceptional member experience Responsible capital stewardship  Operational excellence Sound governance Long-term sustainability Golf is the cornerstone of the Santaluz experience. Course conditioning, architectural integrity, water management, and environmental responsibility are central to the Club’s reputation among Southern California’s leading private clubs. ARCHITECTURAL PEDIGREE The golf course was designed by Rees Jones, one of the most respected architects in modern golf. Known as “The Open Doctor,” Jones has led restoration and redesign efforts at numerous U.S. Open and PGA Championship venues, including Torrey Pines (South Course), Bethpage Black, Congressional Country Club, and Pebble Beach. At Santaluz, Jones created a strategic, visually compelling championship layout that integrates seamlessly with the native San Diego landscape. The design emphasizes thoughtful shot values, strategic bunkering, elevation movement, and playability across a broad range of skill levels. The Club’s current $7.8 million Master Plan renovation honors and refines Jones’ original architectural intent, reinforcing long-term playability and competitive relevance. NATIONAL RECOGNITION The Santaluz community has earned recognition as one of Golfweek Magazine’s Top Residential Golf Communities, reflecting the quality of both the golf experience and the overall lifestyle offering. The master-planned community was developed by DMB Associates, an award-winning national developer recognized for creating architecturally cohesive, environmentally responsible lifestyle communities. This pedigree underscores the high standards and long-term vision embedded throughout the property. MASTER PLAN RENOVATION UNDERWAY The Club is actively executing a comprehensive $7.8M Golf Course Master Plan including: Complete bunker reconstruction and architectural refinement Greens resurfacing Irrigation infrastructure modernization Tee reconstruction and expansion Strategic playability enhancements The Director of Agronomy will serve as the agronomic authority throughout phased construction —maintaining conditioning standards, advising governance stakeholders, protecting turf health, and ensuring long-term performance following project completion. This renovation represents a defining period in the Club’s evolution. OPERATIONAL PROFILE 18-hole championship golf course Approximately 366 Golf Members 100 acres of managed turf 200 acres of native landscape Hacienda and Clubhouse landscape oversight Staff Size: 38 full-time and seasonal team members Irrigation System: Rain Bird Pump Stations: Flotronix with three 75 HP pumps per station (2) Water Source: Recycled irrigation water – potable water option Autonomous mowing fully integrated across fairways, rough, and practice areas Structured Green Committee partnership within disciplined governance model LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS The Director of Agronomy must demonstrate excellence in five core domains: 1. Agronomic Mastery Deliver consistent, high-performance playing conditions rooted in advanced knowledge of turfgrass science, soils, irrigation management, and environmental best practices. 2. Financial & Capital Discipline Operate as a business leader with full accountability for: Annual operating budget execution Multi-year capital planning Labor modeling and workforce management Cost control across chemicals, equipment, and contracted services ROI evaluation on infrastructure and technology investments The Director must communicate confidently with governance stakeholders regarding financial implications of agronomic decisions. 3. Water Resource Strategy Lead precision-based irrigation management in a highly regulated Southern California environment through: Usage forecasting and compliance oversight Drought preparedness planning Integration of soil moisture data, ET modeling, and weather analytics Evaluation of water-conditioning and salinity mitigation strategies Water stewardship is both an operational and reputational priority. 4. Renovation & Infrastructure Leadership Provide steady leadership throughout construction phases while maintaining course conditioning standards and protecting long-term turf performance. 5. Member & Golf Professional Engagement Develop strong, collaborative relationships with the Golf Professional team, recognizing their daily member interaction as a critical feedback channel regarding course performance and playability. Maintain visible, professional presence with membership through education, accessibility, and transparent communication. The Director must be both technically respected and personally trusted. CANDIDATE PROFILE The ideal candidate will possess: Minimum five years’ experience as a Golf Course Superintendent at a high-end private club or championship facility Degree in Agronomy, Turf Management, Horticulture, or related field Proven renovation and construction experience Experience collaborating with leading golf course architects Demonstrated ability to maintain firm-and-fast conditions consistent with original design philosophy Demonstrated understanding of maintaining and managing aggressive forms of Poa Annua Strategic shot-value understanding aligned with championship architecture Advanced irrigation and water management expertise Strong financial acumen and capital planning experience Proven ability to communicate agronomic risk clearly and confidently to Boards and governance stakeholders Track record of mentoring Assistant Superintendents into Superintendent roles Commitment to structured staff development and succession planning Ability to recruit and retain high-performing agronomy teams Strong industry vendor relationships Valid California QAL/QAC GCSAA Certification preferred Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred Executive presence, emotional intelligence, and disciplined decision-making are essential.

By Wanakah Country Club, February 19 - updated February 19 - Hamburg, New York

Director of Grounds Wanakah Country Club Hamburg, NY About the Club: Wanakah Country Club was founded in 1899, and is one of the oldest country clubs in Western New York. The club is located just fifteen minutes south of downtown Buffalo. The club is currently open ten months of the year and is very active in the summer months. Wanakah is a family-oriented club that has a beautiful 18-hole golf course, three har-tru tennis courts, two swimming pools, three pickleball courts, and a newly renovated clubhouse that sits atop a hill overlooking Lake Erie offering several dining options. The original golf course designed in 1900 was a nine-hole course that was transformed into 18 holes in 1913. In 1925 renowned architect Willie Watson came in and redesigned the 18 hole golf course, which still holds that layout today. In 2010 the Club adopted a Golf Course Master Plan designed by Arthur Hills and Chris Wilczynski, which was completed in the spring of 2018. This 2.4-million-dollar project improved drainage throughout the course, rebuilt and reshaped all bunkers, rebuilt several tees, added new bunkers and tees, and has enhanced the overall design and playability of the course. Continuing to work with our Course Architect, the membership recently approved a new golf course plan and new irrigation system to be installed in 2027. This 5.6-million-dollar project will ensure adequate irrigation coverage to the entire course, by increasing the number of heads from 752 to 1270. The project also entails that all 73 bunkers on course get rebuilt to ensure consistency. The Club has invested several million dollars recently to redesign the Clubhouse, including indoor and outdoor member dining areas, meeting spaces, and new locker rooms. The short game facility and pool were both recently renovated, and new pickleball courts were added. The Club has a strategic plan that it is committed to ensuring our vision is met. In 2024, the Club celebrated its 125th Anniversary and also hosted the NYS Amateur. The Club has hosted other notable events including national USGA qualifiers, the NYS Mid-Am, and several district golf events. The Club has a very busy golf calendar from mid-May through mid-September, hosting a wide range of golf events for men, ladies, juniors, and charitable organizations. The Club is limited to 300 golfing members, with an ongoing waitlist. There are a total of 440 members and their families that belong in various membership classes. The Club does not have tee times, and puts Club access at a premium. Mission Statement: Wanakah is a private country club on the shore of Lake Erie, dedicated to providing premier facilities and service to its members, their families and guests; promoting camaraderie and memorable experiences, while maintaining the legacy of our historic golf course and traditions. Vision Statement: Wanakah will remain amongst the finest private clubs in Western New York. Position Description: ·       Will report directly to the GM/COO and work closely with the Grounds Committee Chairman and Head Golf Professional. ·       Is responsible for all Club grounds and will ensure the highest standards are maintained. ·       To supervise the direct maintenance of the golf course, grounds, and tennis courts. ·       To frequently inspect the golf courses and grounds to ensure that all established standards and member expectations relating to the daily playing conditions are being met. ·       To prepare an annual operations and capital budget for the Grounds Department to be submitted to the GM/COO, and to maintain the grounds within the limits of the approved budget. ·       To keep accurate records of equipment, its maintenance, purchases, replacement, budget records, weather, fertilizer, chemical applications and a daily journal of course maintenance activities. ·       To hire, staff, train, supervise, evaluate, and terminate, if necessary, all employees within the Grounds Department, and to coordinate such activities with the GM/COO. ·       To use sound maintenance techniques, and to strive to continually improve and upgrade course conditions being sensitive to interference with play. ·       To work with and coordinate maintenance activities with the GM/COO, Grounds Committee, and Head Golf Professional regarding any events and/or maintenance procedures that may affect course playability. ·       To maintain all parking areas, roadways, and paths in clean and serviceable condition. ·       To supervise and coordinate horticultural activities, oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of all landscaping activities. ·       To supervise the maintenance and care of all grounds buildings and equipment. Educational Requirements: A degree in Turfgrass Management or related field of study is required.   Special Requirements: ·       GCSAA Certification is preferred. ·       New York Pesticide License (must be able to obtain within first year) ·       Knowledgeable using Rainbird Irrigation Cirrus Program.   Position Characteristics & Qualifications: ·       Dedicated to making Western New York home for the foreseeable future. The Club has had two superintendents in the last 40 years. ·       The ideal candidate must articulate a professional demeanor at all times, and have outstanding communication skills. ·       This proven leader must be self-motivated, trustworthy, dedicated, creative, energetic, and knowledgeable. ·       A leader by example, that is willing to be involved with daily maintenance. ·       Strong observational skills with an attention to detail are a must. ·       General computer skills are necessary. ·       2-3 years as a superintendent or first assistant at a reputable country / golf club with a strong agronomic background and experience managing Poa/bent putting greens. ·       High level of knowledge and appreciation for the game of golf.   Course Operations: ·       18 Holes ·       132 Acres ·       Season April 1st - October 31st (Temp Greens December 1st - Mid-March) ·       20,000 rounds per year average (70% carts) ·       Poa / Bent Greens ·       Average daily green speed 11’ 6” ·       Five year-round employees (Golf Course Superintendent, two Assistants and Mechanic) 20-25 seasonal employees ·       $1,300,000 Average Annual Grounds Operating Budget ·       Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA – Current Course Architect Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will include a competitive salary commensurate with experience, bonus potential based on annual goals and objectives. Benefits include: PTO, attractive health insurance package, vison & dental coverage, matching 401 k, GCSAA dues and conference fees, monthly allowance, meals, and golf.   Please e-mail or mail cover letter and resume by March 20th to: Michael Karnath, CCM, CCE General Manager / COO Wanakah Country Club 5161 Lake Shore Rd Hamburg, NY 14075 E-mail: mikek@wanakahcc.com No Phone Calls Please

By Belwood Country Club, January 15 - Morrow, Ohio

Position Summary Bel-Wood Country Club is seeking an experienced and motivated Golf Course Superintendent to lead the agronomic operations and daily maintenance of our golf course and grounds. This individual will be responsible for delivering exceptional playing conditions while fostering a positive team culture, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and collaborating closely with club leadership to support an outstanding member experience. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong turf management knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a passion for continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Course & Grounds Management Plan, direct, and execute all aspects of golf course maintenance, including turfgrass management, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and cultural practices Ensure consistent course conditions that meet the expectations of a private country club membership Oversee maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, roughs, practice facilities, and landscaped areas Monitor weather conditions and adjust maintenance plans accordingly Leadership & Staff Development Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise the grounds maintenance team Establish clear performance expectations and promote a culture of accountability and teamwork Conduct regular staff training on safety, equipment operation, and best agronomic practices Foster a positive, respectful, and professional work environment Budgeting & Financial Management Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget in coordination with the General Manager Track labor, materials, and equipment expenses to ensure financial discipline Assist in planning capital improvements, equipment replacement, and long-term agronomic initiatives Equipment & Facilities Oversee maintenance, repair, and replacement of all grounds equipment Ensure proper use, storage, and preventative maintenance of equipment Manage chemical and fertilizer inventories in compliance with regulations Communication & Collaboration Work closely with the General Manager, Head Golf Professional, and club leadership Communicate course conditions, projects, and maintenance schedules to staff and leadership Serve as a knowledgeable resource for agronomic education and member questions Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental standards, chemical use, and workplace safety Maintain accurate records and reports as required

By Boulders, January 7 - Scottsdale, Arizona

The Boulders Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, is excited to announce the exceptional career opportunity of Director of Agronomy. Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and focus on providing superior playing conditions for members and guests.   The Director of Agronomy is responsible to implement sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the property. Responsible for leading all associates in Agronomy to foster and engaged employee culture. Responsible for the management of two eighteen-hole golf courses and clubhouse grounds. Safety training and safe operational practices is a priority to also be managed by the Director of Agronomy.   Essential Duties · Manages expenses within the department in accordance with the Club's directive. · Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information as directed, requested or required by the Director of Golf, or the General Manager. This position reports to the Director of Golf. · Maintains compliance and clear understanding of all local, state and federal regulatory standards/laws. · Stays abreast of current agronomic information. · Ensures proper mixing, calibration, and application of all chemical/fertilizers used on the course. · Ensures that they and all associates obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to perform job tasks safely and within city, state, and federal regulations. Addresses directly all real or perceived environmental concerns. · Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activity on the course and provides constant feedback and direction to key staff members. · Ensures both upward and downward communication within the department and inter-departmentally. · Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork, communication, ethical behavior, cleanliness and a “can do” attitude. · Develops, trains, coaches, disciplines and mentors managers within the department providing feedback, direction and leadership so that they may carry out the daily activities of the department, all while grooming them for upward mobility within the company. · Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding, and disciplining associates; addressing complaints and resolving problems. · Manages department members that may include, but is not limited to any Maintenance staff such as: Assistant Superintendents, Mechanics, Irrigation Technicians, Greenskeepers, and Equipment Operators. · Assures that effective orientation and training are given to each new associate. Develops ongoing training programs. · Regular and reliable attendance. · Incorporates safe work practices in job performance.   Education and Experience Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in Turfgrass Management or Agronomy and a minimum of 5 years of golf course management experience in a management level position within a similar upscale, luxury environment.   Compensation and Benefits The Club will offer a competitive compensation plan and comprehensive benefits package to include but not be limited to medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401k Retirement Savings Program, paid time off and other benefit programs.   This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an associate in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.