Description

Position Summary
Etowah Valley Golf Club is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and hands-on First Assistant Golf Course Superintendent to assist in the daily management and maintenance of our 18-hole championship golf facility. Reporting directly to the Director of Golf and Golf Course Superintendent, the First Assistant Superintendent plays a key leadership role in maintaining exceptional playing conditions while supervising and developing the golf course maintenance team.

This position requires a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, sound agronomic knowledge, and the ability to lead by example. The successful candidate will be passionate about golf course maintenance and committed to delivering an outstanding golfing experience for our members and guests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Course Maintenance

• Assist in planning, scheduling, and supervising all golf course maintenance operations.
• Maintain championship-quality playing conditions on greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, and practice facilities.
• Monitor turf health and identify potential disease, insect, weed, irrigation, or environmental issues.
• Assist in developing and implementing agronomic programs including fertilization, pesticide applications, aerification, topdressing, and cultural practices.
• Ensure proper moisture management through irrigation scheduling and hand watering.
• Evaluate daily course conditions and prioritize maintenance tasks.

Crew Leadership

• Supervise and direct daily work assignments for the golf course maintenance staff.
• Train new employees on safe equipment operation and proper maintenance procedures.
• Lead morning crew meetings and communicate daily objectives.
• Maintain productivity while promoting teamwork and accountability.
• Evaluate employee performance and provide coaching and mentorship.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding seasonal and full-time employees.

Irrigation & Water Management

• Assist with operation, troubleshooting, and repair of the irrigation system.
• Monitor irrigation coverage and adjust watering schedules based on weather and turf needs.
• Coordinate irrigation repairs and maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Manage hand watering programs during periods of environmental stress.

Equipment & Facilities

• Coordinate with the Equipment Manager regarding equipment needs and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure maintenance facilities, chemical storage, and equipment areas remain clean and organized.
• Monitor inventory of fertilizers, chemicals, irrigation supplies, and maintenance materials.
• Assist with purchasing recommendations and inventory management.

Chemical Applications

• Apply fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate application records.
• Ensure all chemical handling and storage procedures meet OSHA and EPA standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety throughout the maintenance operation.
• Ensure employees use appropriate PPE and follow all safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state pesticide regulations.
• Participate in emergency response planning for weather events and facility emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems and water management.
• Understanding of turfgrass diseases, insects, weeds, and nutrient management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Work Schedule
Golf course maintenance is a seven-day operation.

Typical schedule includes:

• Early morning start times.
• Weekend rotations.
• Holiday work as required.
• Additional hours during tournaments, aerification, overseeding, weather events, and special projects.

Benefits
Etowah Valley Golf Club offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that may include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Paid Vacation
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development and certification assistance
• Uniforms
• Golf privileges
• Employee discounts on food, golf shop merchandise, and club amenities
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization

Qualifications Required

• Minimum of 2 years of golf course maintenance experience.
• Strong knowledge of warm-season and cool-season turfgrass management.
• Experience supervising and motivating maintenance crews.
• Ability to safely operate all golf course maintenance equipment.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain or currently possess a North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License.

Preferred

• 3-5 years of golf course maintenance experience.
• Experience with Toro or Rain Bird irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of GPS sprayers, moisture meters, and modern turf management technologies.
• Experience with golf course construction or renovation projects.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent:

• Walking, standing, bending, lifting, kneeling, and climbing.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• Early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional extended hours during tournaments or special events.