JOB: Course Superintendent – Cairns GC ($100k – $150k package)
About
Cairns Golf Club, located just 5 minutes south of Cairns City, has an excellent opportunity for a Course Superintendent.
Established in 1923, Cairns Golf Club is a 6159m, par 72 course with a modern clubhouse, two putting greens and a full-length driving range. It is the busiest and most profitable course in Cairns and has the strongest membership base. The club is currently in a sustained period of financial growth, dating back to pre-Covid.
The Course Superintendent reports directly to the General Manager.
The course
The golf course is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a picturesque and enjoyable place to work. The turf maintenance facility is 10 years old and is fitted out with a modern fleet of machinery; mostly Toro. The club has a 3-year-old Rainbird IC irrigation system at a cost of $1.4M. This includes but is not limited to, a brand-new pump shed, Grundfos pumps, filter, poly pipework throughout and back-to-back heads on greens.
The role
Cairns Golf Club provides excellent working conditions and the course staff have a great team culture. We offer discounts on food and drink at the clubhouse, free unrestricted golf, including a golf cart (plus access to all club competitions) and discounts on golf equipment/apparel. We provide a great work/life balance with opportunity for flexibility. The position comes with a fully maintained motor vehicle and an attractive salary package is on offer. ($100k – $150k package)
For those considering relocation to the far north, please note; it does get hot and humid here in the summer (33-34C daily), so you will need to be ok with the heat. We also experience a distinct wet and dry season and our annual rainfall hovers around the 2500mm mark. The payoff for the summer months is the other 7-8 months of the year, when the humidity is low and the daytime temperatures hover between 25-27C.
While we do get significant amounts of rainfall during our wet season, the course is never inundated and dries out rapidly when the sun shines again.
What do we need from you?
Our ideal candidate will possess the following essential attributes;
- Trade qualification in Sports Turf Management. Certificate 4 or diploma will be highly regarded.
- Previous experience as an Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent
- Strong knowledge of tropical weed, pest and disease-related issues
- Strong knowledge of turf cultural practices
- High Level of warm season grass knowledge, including experience managing dwarf Cynodon species.
- Understanding of WHS practices and documentation
- The ability to lead, motivate and upskill a team
- Sound report writing and communication skills
- A current driver’s licence
- Irrigation and drainage experience
- Understanding of budgets
Some additional desirable skills would be looked upon favourably;
- Irrigation experience with Rainbird IC
- Construction knowledge, including experience on excavators/bobcats
- An interest/understanding of the game of golf
- Other certificates/qualifications relevant to the role
It is anticipated that you will have extensive experience across all facets of golf course operations. You will be motivated to continue to improve the course daily, as is reasonably practicable within budgetary and weather constraints. You will also be a strong leader, with a team of 9 under your guidance, who you will need to train and mentor.
Due to our distinct wet season, you will also need to be adaptable to change and be able to think outside the box. This is an exciting time to be involved at Cairns Golf Club, with many of the inherent issues taken care of at the club over the preceding 5 years, none more so than the irrigation system installation.
Like what you see?
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please send your application to mgr@cairnsgolfclub.com.au and/or president@cairnsgolfclub.com.au.
All applications should include your resume, plus a short cover letter outlining why you feel you would be a suitable fit for the role. If you would like any further information about this position, please contact either; Matt Bolton (General Manager) on 0419 780 597 or Sam Bush (President) on 0448 410 386.
Applications close on the 24th of December. Due to the short time frame, expressions of interest (Cover Letter only) will also be accepted to allow time for resumes to be prepared. It is anticipated interviews will be held in mid-January 2025.
