Golf Superintendent

Position Summary:

First Tee – Northwest Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization dedicated to empowering young people with life skills and character-building values through the game of golf.

The Golf Course Superintendent is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the maintenance, playability, and overall appearance of the organization’s 9 hole par 3 golf course, driving range, practice areas, facility buildings, and surrounding grounds. The property features bent grass greens, Bermuda grass fairways and rough, Kentucky bluegrass maintained areas, a driving range, short game area, indoor learning facility, and additional facility structures.

This position is responsible for turfgrass management, irrigation systems, equipment oversight, facility and grounds maintenance, and overall property operations while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and high quality environment that supports the mission of First Tee – Northwest Arkansas and positively impacts the youth and families we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Agronomic & Grounds Management

• Lead all aspects of turfgrass and grounds management, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda grass and Fescue grass, landscaping, ornamental areas, and overall facility presentation 
• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual maintenance plan that ensures thematic consistency and exceptional visual appeal across the entire facility.
• Direct and participate in all course construction, renovation, and landscape design projects.
• Implement a proactive water management program, overseeing irrigation systems and monitoring water use.
• Manage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, including the safe and compliant application of all pesticides and fertilizers.

Leadership & Team Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor the grounds maintenance team, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and administer disciplinary actions as needed.
• Develop and implement a structured onboarding program and continuous safety training for all staff, ensuring full compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards.
• Create and publish a clear maintenance schedule to coordinate activities with programming staff, minimizing disruption to youth classes, camps, and events.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• In collaboration with the CEO, develop and manage the annual operating budget for the grounds department, including capital projects and resource planning.
• Oversee the operation, preventative maintenance, and repair of all mechanical equipment, managing a strategic plan for equipment upgrades and replacement.
• Manage procurement and inventory of all parts, supplies, and materials needed for grounds operations.
• Maintain meticulous records, including maintenance logs, pesticide/fertilizer application data, safety reports, and financial expenditures.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Serve as a key point of contact for members, participants, and stakeholders, addressing inquiries and resolving issues with courtesy and professionalism.
• Establish a structured communication plan to keep participants and staff informed of current and future course maintenance activities.
• Cultivate positive relationships with vendors, community partners, and regulatory agencies to support and enhance the mission of First Tee.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate’s Degree or certificate in Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related science.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or First Assistant Superintendent.
• State of Arkansas Pesticide Application License (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) certification.
• Experience working in a non-profit or youth-focused golf environment.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of modern irrigation technologies, sustainable agronomy, and turf management software. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite for budgeting and reporting.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated skill in budget development, financial tracking, and resource management.
• Leadership: A self-starting problem-solver with proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse team.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building rapport with staff, youth, vendors, and community members.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Arkansas environmental regulations and best practices for environmental stewardship.

Work Environment & Schedule
This role operates primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires the physical stamina to stand, walk, and lift heavy objects.
The position requires a flexible schedule, including availability on weekends, early mornings, and evenings to meet the needs of the course, special projects, and events.

Additional Notes on Work Policy (Arkansas Compliance)
In Arkansas, a standard workweek is defined as up to 40 hours. Employers may set their own policies for salaried employees. Lunch breaks are not required by state law, and if provided, they may be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of duties.

A facility-wide grounds, landscape, and maintenance schedule will be created and maintained to ensure that programming staff, pickers, and driving range attendants are aware of planned activities. This will help align departmental duties and prevent disruptions to the participant experience.