2nd Assistant Superintendent

About Caves Valley Golf Club

Caves Valley Golf Club is seeking a motivated and career-driven individual to join our agronomy team as a Second Assistant Superintendent or Assistant-in-Training. This position is designed for an aspiring superintendent looking to develop the technical expertise, leadership skills, and operational knowledge necessary to advance in the golf course industry.

Located just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Caves Valley is a private, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2023 and hosting the 2021 and 2025 BMW Championships, the club continues to invest in its golf course and agronomic programs to deliver exceptional playing conditions for its membership.

Our agronomy team is committed to developing the next generation of golf course superintendents through hands-on experience, mentorship, and meaningful responsibility. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of the operation, from daily course conditioning and chemical applications to construction projects, staff management, and budgeting.

Key Areas of Experience

Chemical Applications & Agronomic Programs

A significant portion of this position will be spent performing chemical and fertilizer applications across all playing surfaces. Responsibilities include sprayer calibration, chemical mixing, application recordkeeping, and the execution of fertility, plant growth regulator, and plant protectant programs.

The candidate will work closely with the management team to understand product selection, application timing, turfgrass response, and the agronomic reasoning behind our programs.

Water Management & Irrigation

Hand watering is an essential component of our agronomic philosophy and will be a significant responsibility throughout the growing season.

The candidate will develop the ability to independently evaluate turf conditions, monitor soil moisture, and make informed watering decisions to maintain healthy turf and consistent playing conditions.

Additional experience will include irrigation scheduling, troubleshooting, repairs, and understanding how water management influences turfgrass health, firmness, and playability.

Construction & Course Improvement Projects

The candidate will participate in ongoing golf course improvement projects, including sod installation, drainage improvements, irrigation modifications, and the renovation of playing surfaces.

As their experience develops, they will be encouraged to take ownership of assigned projects, gaining exposure to project planning, material calculations, labor allocation, equipment coordination, and execution from start to finish.

Staff Leadership & Daily Operations

The candidate will work closely with our management team to develop the communication, organizational, and leadership skills required to manage a golf course maintenance staff.

Responsibilities will progressively include leading crews, assigning daily tasks, training employees, coordinating personnel and equipment, and assisting with daily and weekly scheduling.

Our goal is to provide opportunities to take initiative and develop confidence in managing both people and daily golf course operations.

Budgeting & Administrative Development

The candidate will gain exposure to operating budgets, chemical and fertilizer purchasing, inventory management, labor allocation, and project cost estimation.

Working alongside the management team, they will develop an understanding of how agronomic decisions influence labor, material costs, and overall operational efficiency.

Professional Development

We recognize that every candidate arrives with different levels of experience. Responsibilities will evolve as the individual develops their technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and confidence.

The successful candidate will work directly alongside our agronomy management team, participating in agronomic and operational decisions while progressively taking on additional responsibilities. Additionally all 2nd Assistants will have tournament volunteer opportunities. 

Our goal is to develop a well-rounded turf professional prepared to advance into an Assistant Superintendent or Golf Course Superintendent role.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an individual who takes pride in their work, enjoys being involved in daily course operations, and is eager to develop into a leadership role within the golf course industry.

The ideal candidate is someone who wants to develop their agronomic skills in the field while taking an active interest in the management responsibilities of a superintendent.

We value individuals who ask questions, take initiative, pay attention to detail, and are willing to take ownership of their responsibilities. A strong work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine desire to learn are essential.

Qualifications

• A degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or a related field is preferred. Current students and individuals with relevant golf course maintenance experience are encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience with pesticide applications, irrigation, or golf course maintenance is beneficial.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland pesticide applicator certification.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to lead by example.