Due to the sudden passing of our superintendent, the Sakonnet Golf Club in Little Compton, Rhode Island has an immediate need for a new Head Golf Course Superintendent. The superintendent will oversee all aspects of golf course maintenance and club grounds and reports to the Greens Chair and President of the Club.
The Club
Located in a seaside community on Rhode Island’s northern Atlantic coast, the Sakonnet Golf Club was founded in 1899 and is one of the oldest private clubs in the US. The course was designed by Donald Ross, who made Little Compton his summer home and located his office in the main clubhouse as he then redesigned the course hole-by-hole over two decades. Architect Gil Hanse added several new holes in 2003; the current course measures nearly 6,400 yards from the back tees for men and 5,600 yards for women, and includes a large practice area with separate, full-sized driving/teaching and short game facilities. Sakonnet is typically rated among the top 5 courses in Rhode Island in terms of condition, playability, and scenic values. Approximately 10,000 rounds are played per year.
The Club seeks to provide its 350 members and their families an athletic and social experience which combines the highest quality programs with an environment that is friendly and understated. Golf is an important part of a balanced family calendar that includes active tennis, paddle tennis, a wide range of summer youth activities, and a full-service clubhouse. Appreciative of current trends but mindful of New England tradition, Sakonnet prides itself on appropriate but non-intrusive rules and regulations, avoiding the need for unnecessary constraints such as tee times or excessive formality.
The Opportunity
The Head Superintendent will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of one of New England’s finest golf courses, greens, and grounds.
Basic Functions:
- Responsible for all phases of Golf Maintenance and Agronomic operations, cost control, and personnel.
- Works closely with, advises and coordinates with the Green Chair, Golf Chair and the Head Golf Professional on any issues related to golf course maintenance.
- Works closely with the Buildings and Ground chairman in the upgrade and maintenance of all buildings and infrastructure on the property.
- Directs and participates in the construction and maintenance of the grounds and property
- Responsible for the implementation of Audubon Sanctuary Certification and RI Green Certification
- Administers and enforces all club rules, regulations, and policies for staff
- Works closely with the Club President, Treasurer, and Club Manager to operate the Club in a fiscal responsible and professional manner.
- Must be able to work independently and be a self-starting problem solver.
- Maintains communication with members relating to all facility endeavors and functions.
Primary Duties:
- Oversee the care and maintenance of the turf, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and wetlands
- A hands-on, active participant in day-to-day operations. A superintendent that leads by example.
- Supervise and retain a highly experienced golf course maintenance staff with an average tenure of fifteen years. Conduct employee performance evaluation. Recruit additional staff members as needed.
- Provide technical, operational and safety training for employees to ensure that staff are working within OSHA, club safety, state, and federal guidelines for safe working conditions
- Oversee subordinates in proper and safe operation and maintenance of mechanical and equipment. Plan and budget for additional or replacement capital equipment.
- Supervise and participate in the application and recording of chemical applications, fertilizers, and pesticides on the club property in compliance with all local, state, and Federal regulations.
- Supervise and control all maintenance expenses with Golf Course Operations, including, payroll, supplies, chemicals, and fertilizers.
- Maintain pesticide training and licensing for all certified spray technicians.
- Develop annual operating budget and plan for maintenance and capital projects.
- Maintains records and complete required reporting. Order parts, supplies and equipment.
- Manage an aggressive water usage tracking plan and irrigation systems and provide monthly reporting on ponds, wells, and other water source usage.
- Maintain compliance of regulatory issues with CRMC and DEM. Scheduling and maintenance of the club’s Transient Drinking Water System.
- Responsible for the operation of the club’s Effluential Technologies septic system.
- Schedule maintenance practices around member play and outings to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to members.
- Coordinate snow removal and winter maintenance activities with the club, paddle tennis and local fire department regulations.
- Oversight of all building construction and maintenance including the annual insurance inspection of all buildings with emphasis being placed on quarterly fire inspections, safety equipment and OSHA compliance.
- Participate with local schools and organizations with yearly Bio Blitz for community education.
Knowledge and Skills required:
- Knowledge of management and maintenance of greens, fairways, and roughs.
- Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work.
- Skill in recruiting, supervising, training monitoring, evaluating, and motivating personnel.
- Interpersonal skill to resolve conflict and work with supervisors, officials, employees, members, and the public.
- Knowledge of safe use, mixing and application of chemicals and commercial products.
- Knowledge of DEM and CRMC rules and regulations as applied to Sakonnet Golf Club and the surrounding coastal community.
- Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play.
- Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation patterns, drainage patterns construct tees and greens.
- Operational components of AdvanTex Treatment Systems (club septic)
Educational Requirements
- 4-year Degree or Certification in Turf Management (or related field like agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science)
- Pesticide Application License
- Prefer Certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- Prefer experience working on Oceanside Golf Courses
Experience Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- 3-5+ years’ experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or 1st Assistant
- 4-year Degree or Certification in Turf Management (or related field like agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science)
- Detailed experience working with bent-poa mix grass
- Detailed knowledge and experience with preparation of environmentally friendly applications. I.e. knows how, what, when and why to spray...
- Ability to "scout" the course, identify turf irregularities and other course-related problems
- Advance computer skills required for financial reporting and control operations.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Rhode Island Pesticide Application License
- Prefer Certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- Prefer experience working on Oceanside Golf Courses
Job Benefits
Health and Dental, IRA, Vacation
Salary
$125,000 to $150,000 per year
Overtime: No
Date Job is Available: July 1, 2022
Job Application Instructions
Apply To: McLane Cover Chairman, Search Committee Electronic (preferred): super-search@sakonnetgc.com
