The Director of Agronomy is responsible for the overall health, playability, and presentation of the golf course and surrounding grounds. This leader oversees all agronomic planning and execution, directs the Golf Course Maintenance and Horticulture teams, and ensures the Club’s landscapes, turf, and plantings are maintained to the highest standards. This position partners closely with General Manager/COO and Director of Golf to deliver an exceptional member and guest experience through consistently excellent course conditions and beautifully maintained grounds.

Essential Functions 

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic leadership and daily oversight for the Golf Course Maintenance and Horticulture Teams.
• Provide calm, steady leadership under pressure.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop agronomy team members while fostering a positive culture of collaboration, safety, and high performance.
• Develop schedules, assign tasks, and ensure staffing levels support operational needs across golf course and landscape areas.
• Manage vendor relationships, equipment vendors, and contractors.

Agronomic Planning & Course Conditioning

• Plan and execute all agronomic programs including fertilization, pest and disease management, irrigation, and cultural practices.
• Maintain the golf course to championship standards with a focus on turf health, playability, aesthetics, and environmental stewardship.
• Oversee irrigation system operations, repair, and water management strategies.
• Monitor course conditions daily and make proactive adjustments to maintain peak quality.
• Lead and manage all green and grounds construction and/or renovation projects.
• Attend Green and Grounds Committee meetings, provide an overview on maintenance programs, upcoming work, projects, issues and concerns.
• Aid and take part in the ongoing maintenance of the golf course.

Horticulture & Grounds

• Direct landscape planting, pruning, maintenance, and seasonal color programs.
• Ensure trees, shrubs, annuals, and ornamental areas across the property are maintained with professional horticultural care.
• Partner with the Horticulture Team to implement design improvements that enhance the beauty and functionality of the grounds.
• Aid and take part in the ongoing maintenance of the horticulture grounds.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and manage cost effective annual operating and capital budgets for the agronomy operations.
• Monitor expenses and ensure efficient use of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and recommend replacements as needed.
• Forecast and manage 5 – 10-year capital improvement plans.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all pesticide, fertilizer, and water-use regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for chemical applications, safety training, and equipment maintenance.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure team adherence to established protocols.
• Lead sustainability initiatives aligned with industry’s best practices.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a key partner to the General Manager/COO, Golf Professional staff, and Leadership team.
• Communicate course conditions, maintenance plans, and horticultural projects effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Support tournaments, events, and daily golf operations with clear coordination and timely execution.
• Ability to communicate with members, guests, staff, vendors, municipal agencies, and nearby residents with a thoughtful and measured approach.
• Tour and occasionally play the course to determine actual playing conditions. 
• Provide clear, transparent updates to membership regarding course conditions and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Science, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in golf course management, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass management practices, irrigation systems, horticulture, and equipment operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, consistently delivered with hospitality and professionalism.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop diverse teams.
• Excellent organizational, budgeting, and communication skills.
• Must possess a license for the purchase and application of restricted use pesticides.
• Class A GCSAA Accreditation preferred.
• Experience leading renovation or infrastructure improvement projects.

Physical Requirements 

• Physical strength, stamina and agility. 
• Ability to operate trucks and motorized equipment. 
• Physical ability to be on your feet all day and working outside all year long. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks routinely.
• Ability to raise a 15 lb box over your head and climb a ladder.