Director of Agronomy

By The Santaluz Club, March 3 - San Diego, California

The Santaluz Club seeks a disciplined, strategic, and forward-thinking Director of Agronomy to lead one of the Club’s most visible and critical assets — the golf course and surrounding landscapes. This position operates as the executive leader of agronomic operations, carrying full accountability for: Championship-level course conditioning Environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance Water resource strategy Infrastructure and irrigation performance Financial and capital planning Team leadership and culture development Technology integration and operational innovation Long-term infrastructure planning The Director functions not simply as a superintendent, but as a senior operational executive within a member-owned governance structure. Success requires executive presence, financial fluency, agronomic expertise, and the ability to balance member expectations with long-term asset stewardship. THE CLUB The Santaluz Club is a premier, family-oriented private club centered on championship golf, racquet sports, fitness, aquatics, dining, and year-round social engagement. The Club is guided by a clear strategic vision emphasizing: Exceptional member experience Responsible capital stewardship  Operational excellence Sound governance Long-term sustainability Golf is the cornerstone of the Santaluz experience. Course conditioning, architectural integrity, water management, and environmental responsibility are central to the Club’s reputation among Southern California’s leading private clubs. ARCHITECTURAL PEDIGREE The golf course was designed by Rees Jones, one of the most respected architects in modern golf. Known as “The Open Doctor,” Jones has led restoration and redesign efforts at numerous U.S. Open and PGA Championship venues, including Torrey Pines (South Course), Bethpage Black, Congressional Country Club, and Pebble Beach. At Santaluz, Jones created a strategic, visually compelling championship layout that integrates seamlessly with the native San Diego landscape. The design emphasizes thoughtful shot values, strategic bunkering, elevation movement, and playability across a broad range of skill levels. The Club’s current $7.8 million Master Plan renovation honors and refines Jones’ original architectural intent, reinforcing long-term playability and competitive relevance. NATIONAL RECOGNITION The Santaluz community has earned recognition as one of Golfweek Magazine’s Top Residential Golf Communities, reflecting the quality of both the golf experience and the overall lifestyle offering. The master-planned community was developed by DMB Associates, an award-winning national developer recognized for creating architecturally cohesive, environmentally responsible lifestyle communities. This pedigree underscores the high standards and long-term vision embedded throughout the property. MASTER PLAN RENOVATION UNDERWAY The Club is actively executing a comprehensive $7.8M Golf Course Master Plan including: Complete bunker reconstruction and architectural refinement Greens resurfacing Irrigation infrastructure modernization Tee reconstruction and expansion Strategic playability enhancements The Director of Agronomy will serve as the agronomic authority throughout phased construction —maintaining conditioning standards, advising governance stakeholders, protecting turf health, and ensuring long-term performance following project completion. This renovation represents a defining period in the Club’s evolution. OPERATIONAL PROFILE 18-hole championship golf course Approximately 366 Golf Members 100 acres of managed turf 200 acres of native landscape Hacienda and Clubhouse landscape oversight Staff Size: 38 full-time and seasonal team members Irrigation System: Rain Bird Pump Stations: Flotronix with three 75 HP pumps per station (2) Water Source: Recycled irrigation water – potable water option Autonomous mowing fully integrated across fairways, rough, and practice areas Structured Green Committee partnership within disciplined governance model LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS The Director of Agronomy must demonstrate excellence in five core domains: 1. Agronomic Mastery Deliver consistent, high-performance playing conditions rooted in advanced knowledge of turfgrass science, soils, irrigation management, and environmental best practices. 2. Financial & Capital Discipline Operate as a business leader with full accountability for: Annual operating budget execution Multi-year capital planning Labor modeling and workforce management Cost control across chemicals, equipment, and contracted services ROI evaluation on infrastructure and technology investments The Director must communicate confidently with governance stakeholders regarding financial implications of agronomic decisions. 3. Water Resource Strategy Lead precision-based irrigation management in a highly regulated Southern California environment through: Usage forecasting and compliance oversight Drought preparedness planning Integration of soil moisture data, ET modeling, and weather analytics Evaluation of water-conditioning and salinity mitigation strategies Water stewardship is both an operational and reputational priority. 4. Renovation & Infrastructure Leadership Provide steady leadership throughout construction phases while maintaining course conditioning standards and protecting long-term turf performance. 5. Member & Golf Professional Engagement Develop strong, collaborative relationships with the Golf Professional team, recognizing their daily member interaction as a critical feedback channel regarding course performance and playability. Maintain visible, professional presence with membership through education, accessibility, and transparent communication. The Director must be both technically respected and personally trusted. CANDIDATE PROFILE The ideal candidate will possess: Minimum five years’ experience as a Golf Course Superintendent at a high-end private club or championship facility Degree in Agronomy, Turf Management, Horticulture, or related field Proven renovation and construction experience Experience collaborating with leading golf course architects Demonstrated ability to maintain firm-and-fast conditions consistent with original design philosophy Demonstrated understanding of maintaining and managing aggressive forms of Poa Annua Strategic shot-value understanding aligned with championship architecture Advanced irrigation and water management expertise Strong financial acumen and capital planning experience Proven ability to communicate agronomic risk clearly and confidently to Boards and governance stakeholders Track record of mentoring Assistant Superintendents into Superintendent roles Commitment to structured staff development and succession planning Ability to recruit and retain high-performing agronomy teams Strong industry vendor relationships Valid California QAL/QAC GCSAA Certification preferred Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred Executive presence, emotional intelligence, and disciplined decision-making are essential.

By Belwood Country Club, January 15 - Morrow, Ohio

Position Summary Bel-Wood Country Club is seeking an experienced and motivated Golf Course Superintendent to lead the agronomic operations and daily maintenance of our golf course and grounds. This individual will be responsible for delivering exceptional playing conditions while fostering a positive team culture, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and collaborating closely with club leadership to support an outstanding member experience. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong turf management knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a passion for continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Course & Grounds Management Plan, direct, and execute all aspects of golf course maintenance, including turfgrass management, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and cultural practices Ensure consistent course conditions that meet the expectations of a private country club membership Oversee maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, roughs, practice facilities, and landscaped areas Monitor weather conditions and adjust maintenance plans accordingly Leadership & Staff Development Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise the grounds maintenance team Establish clear performance expectations and promote a culture of accountability and teamwork Conduct regular staff training on safety, equipment operation, and best agronomic practices Foster a positive, respectful, and professional work environment Budgeting & Financial Management Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget in coordination with the General Manager Track labor, materials, and equipment expenses to ensure financial discipline Assist in planning capital improvements, equipment replacement, and long-term agronomic initiatives Equipment & Facilities Oversee maintenance, repair, and replacement of all grounds equipment Ensure proper use, storage, and preventative maintenance of equipment Manage chemical and fertilizer inventories in compliance with regulations Communication & Collaboration Work closely with the General Manager, Head Golf Professional, and club leadership Communicate course conditions, projects, and maintenance schedules to staff and leadership Serve as a knowledgeable resource for agronomic education and member questions Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental standards, chemical use, and workplace safety Maintain accurate records and reports as required

By Boulders, January 7 - Scottsdale, Arizona

The Boulders Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, is excited to announce the exceptional career opportunity of Director of Agronomy. Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and focus on providing superior playing conditions for members and guests.   The Director of Agronomy is responsible to implement sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the property. Responsible for leading all associates in Agronomy to foster and engaged employee culture. Responsible for the management of two eighteen-hole golf courses and clubhouse grounds. Safety training and safe operational practices is a priority to also be managed by the Director of Agronomy.   Essential Duties · Manages expenses within the department in accordance with the Club's directive. · Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information as directed, requested or required by the Director of Golf, or the General Manager. This position reports to the Director of Golf. · Maintains compliance and clear understanding of all local, state and federal regulatory standards/laws. · Stays abreast of current agronomic information. · Ensures proper mixing, calibration, and application of all chemical/fertilizers used on the course. · Ensures that they and all associates obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to perform job tasks safely and within city, state, and federal regulations. Addresses directly all real or perceived environmental concerns. · Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activity on the course and provides constant feedback and direction to key staff members. · Ensures both upward and downward communication within the department and inter-departmentally. · Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork, communication, ethical behavior, cleanliness and a “can do” attitude. · Develops, trains, coaches, disciplines and mentors managers within the department providing feedback, direction and leadership so that they may carry out the daily activities of the department, all while grooming them for upward mobility within the company. · Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding, and disciplining associates; addressing complaints and resolving problems. · Manages department members that may include, but is not limited to any Maintenance staff such as: Assistant Superintendents, Mechanics, Irrigation Technicians, Greenskeepers, and Equipment Operators. · Assures that effective orientation and training are given to each new associate. Develops ongoing training programs. · Regular and reliable attendance. · Incorporates safe work practices in job performance.   Education and Experience Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in Turfgrass Management or Agronomy and a minimum of 5 years of golf course management experience in a management level position within a similar upscale, luxury environment.   Compensation and Benefits The Club will offer a competitive compensation plan and comprehensive benefits package to include but not be limited to medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401k Retirement Savings Program, paid time off and other benefit programs.   This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an associate in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.