JOB: Head Superintendent – Royal Perth Golf Club

POSTED ON May 5, 2021 @ 5:45 pm

Head Superintendent role

Royal Perth Golf Club is seeking a Head Superintendent – one who possesses great passion for the game of golf, excellent care for the well-being and development of their team, and desires to be part of a Club whose vision is to be the best Golf Club in Western Australia.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional leader who drives a positive culture of mentorship, collaboration, and teamwork striving for success within the department and the entire Club. This individual must be a genuine, authentic, and engaging leader with a keen eye for detail coupled with a proper understanding of the agronomic details of what makes a world-class golf course. At least 15 years of golf course agronomic experience, including experience in a prestigious golf club environment, is required.

Royal Perth Golf Club

Royal Perth Golf Club was established in 1895 and moved to its current location in South Perth in 1908. It is the oldest golf club in metropolitan Western Australia.

It is widely recognised for its eighteen-hole championship standard golf course, practice facilities, modern fleet of plant and equipment and its large Clubhouse with multiple function rooms.

The par 72 course, measuring just over 6,000 metres, is built on less than 30 hectares of free draining sand. The generally flat tree lined fairways comprise a 60/40 kikuyu couch blend. The pencross greens by today’s standards are small, and there are 80 bunkers.

The Club has recently commenced a significant tree management and native revegetation program, and will soon establish a trial program to identify a new grass for a planned greens replacement.

BY THE NUMBERS:

1667 Golf members (1182 Male and 485 Female)
$1.6+M Golf Course Maintenance Operating Budget
10 Employees in Agronomy
Currently 60,000 rounds per annum (post-COVID)

The Club is financially viable, and its governance is both sound and progressive with a General Committee that is not involved in day-to-day operations.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be the finest private Golf Club in Western Australia.

OUR MISSION

We will provide our members, guests and employees with an exceptional experience consistent with our vision.

HEAD SUPERINTENDENT POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsible for leading, inspiring, and supervising all Agronomy staff and create a team that cares about providing a world class conditioned course. Responsible for the health, prosperity and consistency of the golf course conditions and associated landscaping for the golf course and practice facilities. Plan, coordinate and execute all projects and golf course agronomics that shape and uphold the Club’s standards for excellence.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish course standards that include maintaining tees, fairways, greens, bunkers and water delivery systems to the highest golf course standards, capable of hosting State and National Championships.
Formulate and monitor a budget for operational and capital expenses for the golf course.
Coordinate and supervise the recruitment and development of all Agronomy staff.
Engage in active communication with the team to promote high employee morale and a positive image of our Agronomy team to the membership.
Work closely with the Manager Golf and Membership in scheduling course activities, including planning golf events.
Communicate with the membership regarding course condition, maintenance programs and course improvement projects.
Coordinate and manage the success of all construction projects and course improvements.
Direct the ordering of agronomy supplies and materials within budget.
Develop and maintain records of course condition and maintenance activities, chemical and fertiliser applications, soil, turf, water and onsite weather patterns.
Stay abreast of current industry standards through seminars, conferences, educational opportunities and information sharing with peer club superintendents.
Ensure compliance and safeguarding of all chemicals, pesticides, and Club assets.
Follow and comply with all Federal, State and Local Council Laws, regulations and government record keeping.
Oversee the regular maintenance and upkeep of all course-related plant and equipment.
Other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

EXPERIENCE

At least 15 years golf course agronomy experience. You will have at least 7 years experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Course Superintendent.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

Minimum of Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management
Certificate IV or Diploma in Sports Turf Management
Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (or higher) together with a minimum of 7 years post qualification experience in a Senior position

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will possess a wide range of necessary leadership personality traits, knowledge, abilities, working norms, and skills required to fulfil duties and responsibilities effectively.

Must have a thorough knowledge of the following:

Construction and maintenance of golf course tees, greens, bunkers and fairways.
Seeding, turfing and maintenance of turf used on golf courses.
Planting, cultivating, pruning, and caring for plants, shrubs, and trees.
Characteristics and proper use of various fertilisers and soil conditioners.
Herbicides and pest control methods and materials.
Drainage control methods.
Computerised watering and irrigation systems including bores, pumps, and automatic controls.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent benefits package, along with the typical Australian GCSA benefits.