Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Smoky Mountain Country Club is seeking a motivated and dependable Assistant Golf Course Superintendent to join our golf course maintenance team in Whittier, North Carolina. This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced golf course maintenance professional or a recent turfgrass management graduate looking to grow their career in the golf course industry.

Our golf course features bentgrass greens, Tifway 419 fairways, and a mixed fescue/Bermudagrass rough, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience managing a diverse range of turfgrass species in the Western North Carolina climate.

We place a strong emphasis on professional development, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance. The Assistant Superintendent will work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent in the daily management of the golf course and maintenance operation while having opportunities to take ownership of important areas of the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Golf Course Superintendent with the daily operation and maintenance of the golf course.
• Supervise and direct the maintenance crew in the absence of the Golf Course Superintendent.
• Assist with planning and scheduling daily maintenance activities and crew assignments.
• Operate and maintain turfgrass maintenance equipment and ensure equipment is used safely and properly.
• Perform irrigation system maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, including sprinkler heads, valves, controllers, pumps, and associated components.
• Safely handle and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and other turfgrass products in accordance with product labels and applicable regulations.
• Assist with developing and implementing fertility, plant protection, and cultural management programs.
• Monitor turfgrass conditions and identify potential pest, disease, irrigation, and nutritional issues.
• Assist with routine cultural practices including mowing, aerification, topdressing, seeding, and other turfgrass management practices.
• Maintain accurate records of pesticide and fertilizer applications as required.
• Assist with inventory management and maintaining adequate supplies of fertilizers, chemicals, irrigation parts, and other maintenance materials.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance facility and work environment.
• Communicate effectively with the Golf Course Superintendent and maintenance staff regarding daily priorities and course conditions.
• Perform other duties associated with golf course maintenance as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a North Carolina pesticide applicator license within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to safely operate golf course maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and materials associated with golf course maintenance.

Preferred:

• Prior golf course maintenance experience.
• Degree, certificate, or coursework in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Experience with golf course irrigation systems and irrigation repair.
• Experience with pesticide and fertilizer applications.
• Experience supervising or leading a maintenance crew.

Recent college graduates and candidates beginning their careers in turfgrass management are strongly encouraged to apply. We are willing to provide training and development opportunities for the right candidate who demonstrates a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and desire to build a career in golf course management.

Work Environment & Opportunity

This position provides an opportunity to work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent and gain experience across all aspects of golf course maintenance and turfgrass management.

The Assistant Superintendent will have meaningful responsibility in daily course operations, including crew management, irrigation, chemical and fertilizer applications, and turfgrass cultural practices. This position is designed for someone who wants to develop their skills and take on increasing responsibility while working in a professional environment that values reasonable scheduling and work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $50,000 to $60,000 a year DOE
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Uniforms and/or work apparel
• Employee golf privileges, subject to club policies
• Paid time off and holidays
• (Health insurance)
• Work life balance