Description

The Superintendent is responsible for the overall health, conditioning, and presentation of the golf course and all surrounding grounds at Itasca Country Club. This leader oversees all agronomic programs, staff management, resource planning, and maintenance operations while ensuring every outdoor space-from all golf related areas, to the wiffle ball field & recreational spaces-meets the Club's standards of excellence. The Superintendent embodies ICC's five core values and plays a central role in delivering an exceptional member and guest experience.

Success Profile:

Agronomic Excellence:

Deep expertise in turfgrass management, irrigation systems, plant health, and seasonal agronomic programming-ensuring every playing surface and landscaped area meets the Club's standards for conditioning, consistency, and visual presentation.

Course Conditioning & Playability:

Ability to deliver exceptional daily course conditions, including green speed, firmness, bunker quality, teeing surfaces, fairway health, rough management, and overall playability. Maintains precise daily course setup that enhances the member golf experience.

Property-Wide Stewardship:

Committed to caring for all grounds with equal enthusiasm-including the golf course, wiffle ball field, practice facilities, landscaped beds, entrances, recreation areas, and seasonal amenities. Ensures the entire property reflects pride, cleanliness, safety, and attention to detail.

Team Leadership & Development:

Ability to hire, train, mentor, and motivate the grounds staff while fostering a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, safety, and teamwork. Leads by example and instills pride in presentation and performance across the entire team.

Project & Resource Management:

Skilled in planning and executing maintenance programs, cultural practices, appropriate projects, landscaping enhancements, and capital improvements. Efficiently manages labor, equipment, materials, and irrigation resources to support both short-term conditions and long-term course health.

Winter Operations & Snow Management:

Effectively leads and executes all winter grounds operations including snow plowing, de-icing, storm response, and seasonal safety protocols. Ensures that drive lanes, walkways, and parking lots are consistently safe, accessible, and well maintained. Plans proactively for equipment readiness, staffing, and material use (salt, sand, etc.), and integrates these operations into the annual grounds strategy.

Budgeting & Operational Oversight:

Proven ability to manage an operating budget, monitor expenses, forecast needs, and ensure responsible use of chemicals, water, fuel, and equipment. Makes data-driven decisions that balance course quality with fiscal stewardship.

Communication & Collaboration:

Clear, proactive communicator who provides timely updates on course conditions, projects, weather impacts, and member expectations. Collaborates effectively with the General Manager, Director of Golf, committees, and other departments to support events, programs, and Club operations.

Member Experience Focus:

Acts with a service mindset, understanding that conditioning, presentation, and reliability directly influence member satisfaction. Anticipates concerns before they arise and takes pride in creating an exceptional on-course and property-wide experience.

Reliability & Crisis Management:

Calm and decisive under pressure, especially during weather challenges, equipment failures, or tournament preparation. Develops contingency plans and responds immediately to ensure uninterrupted playability and safety.

Professional Development & Industry Engagement:

Actively engages with GCSAA and relevant industry organizations to stay current on agronomic research, technology, equipment trends, and sustainability practices-bringing innovation and continuous improvement to the Club.

Long-Term Course Vision:

Develops and executes multi-year plans for turf health, drainage, irrigation improvements, bunker upgrades, landscaping, tree management, and environmental stewardship-ensuring the course remains a premier playing experience for years to come.

Accountability:

• LMA (Leadership + Management = Accountability)?
• Make Quality & Beautiful Grounds (grass, asphalt, & rocks)
• Cleaning & Maintenance
• Safety & Staff Training
• Hits Safety, Production, and Membership Satisfaction Goals

• Bachelor's degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field (preferred)
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance management, including Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent role
• Valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator License
• Desire to pursue Class A GCSAA certification (or CGCS)
• Proven expertise in turfgrass agronomy, pesticide and fertilizer applications, cultural practices, and irrigation programming
• Strong knowledge of irrigation system operations, diagnostics, and repair planning
• Skilled in equipment operation and maintenance, including season prep and preventative scheduling
• Experience managing capital projects such as irrigation, drainage, bunker repair, turf renovations, course improvements
• Ability to manage year-round property responsibilities, including seasonal transitions and winter operations
• Proficiency in budget management, labor forecasting, chemical/purchasing strategy, and resource scheduling
• Comfort with technology tools (irrigation control, email communication, etc.)