Golf Course Superintendent – Bear Course

About The Forest Country Club

Voted "Best of Golf & Tennis" by Gulfshore Life for consecutive years, The Forest Country Club is a premier, member-owned private country club nestled within 620 acres of breathtaking nature preserve in South Fort Myers. Boasting 36 holes of award-winning championship golf, the club proudly features two distinctly unique walkable courses: the Bobcat Course and the Bear Course. Following a massive, fully reimagined grand reopening of the Bear Course in December of 2025, which included the complete reconstruction of the golf course and grassing of Platinum TE paspalum and TifEagle greens, we are seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking Golf Course Superintendent to lead the maintenance team on this elite, high-density championship property.

Position Overview

The Bear Golf Course Superintendent manages the daily agronomic operations, maintenance, and preparation of the Bear Course. Working under the leadership and strategic direction of the Director of Agronomy, the Superintendent will ensure the course consistently meets the immaculate, championship-caliber conditions expected by our active membership. This position oversees the course’s TifEagle greens and Platinum TE paspalum tees, fairways, and rough, practice facilities, clubhouse landscaping, and a dedicated crew of turf professionals.

This position is a unique opportunity for an aspiring Assistant Superintendent or Golf Course Superintendent looking to advance their career in the Fort Myers/Naples market and to experience a property with multiple different species of turfgrasses, both Toro and Rainbird two-wire irrigation systems, and work alongside a fantastic Assistant Superintendent and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Agronomic Management: Execute comprehensive turf management programs encompassing chemical/fertilizer applications, moisture management, cultural practices, and pest control tailored specifically to TifEagle bermudagrass and Platinum TE paspalum.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and schedule the Assistant Superintendent, technicians, and crew members. Foster a culture of safety, attention to detail, and operational efficiency.
• Irrigation & Water Management: Oversee daily operation and troubleshooting of the Rainbird IC irrigation system, monitoring water usage and water quality across the course's complex network of lakes and streams.
• Budgeting & Asset Control: Work closely with the Director of Agronomy to develop and manage the operational and capital budgets for the Bear Course, ensuring maximum efficiency of resources.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree: A Degree or Certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance, with a proven track record as a Superintendent or First Assistant at a high-end private club environment.
• Bermudagrass and paspalum expertise: Extensive hands-on experience managing ultra-dwarf bermudagrass greens and paspalum in the Southwest Florida climate is highly preferred but not required.

Licenses & Certifications

• Possession of (or ability to obtain within 90 days) a Florida Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate and a Florida Restricted Use Pesticide License.
• Active membership in the GCSAA and local chapters is highly encouraged. GCSAA Class A certification is a major plus.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills to work effectively with the Director of Agronomy, the crew, and interacting with club members.
• Sharp eye for detail and a passion for modern, sustainable turfgrass practices.
• Strong organizational and computerized record-keeping skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 DOE
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options.
• Professional Development: GCSAA and local chapter dues paid; allowance for continuing education/seminars.
• Additional Perks: Paid time off (PTO), 401(k) retirement plan with club match, golfing privileges, uniforms, and complimentary employee meals.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their cover letter and resume directly to the recruitment portal or email applications directly to the Agronomy Office at lferin@theforestcc.com.

The Forest Country Club is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.