Golf Course Superintendent

The Club at Cordillera is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Golf Course Superintendent to oversee the maintenance and agronomic operations of one of its premier mountain golf courses. This individual will play a critical leadership role in delivering exceptional course conditions while managing the unique challenges of a high-elevation, cool-season turf environment. 

This position reports directly to the Senior Superintendent and works closely with the Director of Agronomy and broader leadership team. The ideal candidate will bring experience in mountain or winter climates, strong irrigation and water management knowledge, and a passion for team development and operational excellence. 

Club Highlights:

• 2025 Maintenance Budget: $1.2M (18 holes) 
• Capital Budget: $250K 
• Total Annual Rounds: ~14,000 (short, high-intensity season) 
• Total Staff: 
  • 17 Seasonal Employees 
  • 2 Assistant Superintendents 
  • 1 Equipment Technician 
• Typical Work Schedule: 
  • High initial time commitment to learn operations, staff, and course 
  • Evolves into a more balanced schedule over time as systems and team are established 
• Turf Types: 
  • Fairways/Rough: Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Poa Annua 
  • Greens: Bentgrass/Poa 
• Future Projects: 
  • Bunker Renovation Program 
• Irrigation System: Toro 
• Equipment: Toro fleet

Success Traits of Individual: 

• Strong experience in construction, irrigation systems, and pump stations
• Ability to lead and develop a seasonal workforce 
• Experience managing cool-season turf in winter climates 
• Detail-oriented with a focus on efficiency and execution 
• Strong communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments
• Highly organized with strong budgeting and planning skills 

Initial Priorities of the Position: 

• Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing seasonal team 
• Learn and optimize the irrigation and water delivery systems 
• Execute maintenance and agronomic programs with precision and efficiency 
• Ensure all projects (including bunker renovations) are completed to a high standard
• Establish strong operational rhythms and communication with leadership 

Key Responsibilities, Knowledge, Skills, and Aptitude: 

• Oversee all golf course maintenance operations to ensure top-tier playing conditions
• Assist in development and management of annual budgets and capital plans
• Lead agronomic programs including fertility, cultural practices, and pest management
• Manage and mitigate environmental and turf challenges including: 
  • Snow mold, desiccation, ice damage, wildlife damage, and mechanical stress
• Direct and execute winterization and snow operations, including use of specialized equipment 
• Operate and maintain irrigation infrastructure including pumps, valves, filtration systems, and water delivery networks 
• Ensure compliance with water rights, reporting, and environmental regulations
• Supervise construction and maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, and bunkers
• Lead team training, development, and performance management 
• Oversee chemical applications, calibration, and safety compliance 
• Manage equipment maintenance coordination with the mechanic 
• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and financial tracking

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Education (Required): 
  • Certificate or Associate Degree in Agronomy, Turf Management, or related field
• Experience: 
  • 4–7 years of relevant golf course maintenance experience 
• Licenses/Certifications: 
  • Valid Driver’s License 
  • Pesticide Applicator License 
• Technical Skills: 
  • Irrigation systems (Toro preferred) 
  • Pump stations and water management systems 
  • Microsoft Office proficiency 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000 
• Bonus Potential 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• 401(k) 
• PTO / Vacation 
• Short-term & Long-term Disability 
• Continued Education & Professional Development 
• Local & National Dues 
• Uniforms 
• Free Meals / Food 
• Golf Privileges 
• Cell Phone Allowance

About Us: 

The Club at Cordillera is a premier private club located in the Vail Valley, offering an exceptional mountain golf experience. With a strong commitment to agronomic excellence and  member satisfaction, Cordillera provides a dynamic environment for turf professionals seeking to grow into senior leadership roles. The organization is dedicated to developing talent and offers a clear path toward advancement into a Senior Superintendent with full property oversight.