Modesto, California
Merced, California
Storrs Campus
Posted: 21-Jan-26
Location: La Canada Flintridge, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $80,000 - $104,000
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Job Summary
The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and agronomic performance of the golf course, practice facilities, and surrounding clubhouse grounds. This leadership role ensures exceptional playing conditions, turf health, environmental stewardship, and cost-effective operations while leading a team of maintenance professionals. The Superintendent serves as the primary expert on turfgrass management, irrigation, equipment, and regulatory compliance, delivering a premier golf experience for members, guests, and players.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, organize, and direct all daily, weekly, and seasonal turf maintenance activities, including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest/weed/disease control, aeration, topdressing, bunker maintenance, tee/green/fairway/rough care, and tree/shrub/landscape management.
Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic programs to maintain optimal turf health, playing quality, and aesthetic appeal while minimizing resource use (water, chemicals, labor).
Manage the golf course irrigation system, including scheduling, repairs, upgrades, and water conservation practices. Knowledge of using reclaimed water is a plus.
Oversee equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement schedules for mowers, tractors, sprayers, utility vehicles, and other grounds equipment.
Control costs for labor, materials, chemicals, fertilizers, equipment, and capital projects while meeting performance goals.
Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate a team of 14 full-time staff while promoting safety, professionalism, and teamwork.
Monitor and scout for pests, diseases, and weeds; make recommendations and apply pesticides/fertilizers in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (including proper record-keeping and licensing).
Coordinate with the golf shop, tournament staff, and other departments to prepare the course for daily play, events, tournaments, outings, and member play expectations.
Communicate effectively with club leadership, members, guests, and regulatory agencies regarding course conditions, projects, and environmental initiatives.
Stay current on industry best practices, new technologies, turf research, and sustainable maintenance techniques; pursue continuing education through GCSAA and other organizations.
Plan and oversee capital improvement projects such as renovations, drainage improvements, tree work, bunker restorations, and course enhancements.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance, with at least 2–3 years in a superintendent or assistant superintendent role.
Proven track record of maintaining high-quality playing conditions on 18-hole (or multi-course) facilities.
Certifications & Licenses
Valid state Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
GCSAA Class A membership or progress toward it is highly desirable.
Valid driver’s license with clean record.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong knowledge of turfgrass science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, irrigation systems, and golf course construction/maintenance principles.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate and manage diverse teams.
Proficiency with budget preparation, cost control, and basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, irrigation software, etc.).
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, regulations, and reports; write clear reports and correspondence.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail under varying weather and playing condition demands.
Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, lift up to 50–75 lbs, and perform manual tasks as needed.
Working Conditions
Primarily outdoor work with exposure to varying weather, insects, chemicals, and noise from equipment.
Flexible schedule required, including early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak season or special events.
On-call availability for irrigation/equipment emergencies.