Head Superintendent

The Glencoe Golf Club is seeking a passionate, motivated, and team-oriented Golf Course Superintendent to lead the golf course and grounds operation. 

This hands-on leadership role oversees the agronomic management, daily conditioning, capital projects and long-term improvement of the golf course and surrounding grounds. Working closely with the General Manager, the Superintendent will lead the maintenance team, manage departmental resources, and maintain high standards for course conditioning and golfer’s/visitors experience.

We are looking for a professional who takes pride in course presentation, applies sound agronomic practices, is capable of performing capital improvements, embraces the importance of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status and balances daily operations with long-term planning. 

Club Highlights: 

• Annual Golf Rounds: Approximately 40,000
• Staff: 3 full-time employees and up to 9 seasonal part-time employees
• Future Projects: First tee renovation, continuous cart path installation, new target greens on driving range, bunker restorations and irrigation head replacements. 
• Recent Golf Improvements: Renovated driving range tee, newly constructed short game area and regulation sized croquet court, landscaping surrounding new clubhouse.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Superintendent will oversee the daily operation and long-term development of the Green & Grounds department, balancing three key priorities: 

• Course/Grounds Quality: Maintain healthy turf and consistent, well-presented playing conditions, maintain landscape beds and clubhouse surrounds.
• Leadership: Recruit, train, and develop a productive, professional maintenance team. 
• Financial Management: Manage labor, materials, equipment, contractors, and departmental expenses while planning for future needs. 

This role requires a combination of strategic planning, sound agronomic judgment, and hands-on leadership. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Golf Course & Agronomic Management

• Direct daily course maintenance and conditioning across greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, and practice areas. 
• Oversee fertility, irrigation, mowing, aerification, topdressing, and pest management programs. 
• Monitor turf health and weather conditions while identifying opportunities to improve playing conditions and efficiency. 
• Maintain and improve Audubon Cooperative Sanctury status and standards.
• Hold an Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s license.

Leadership & Team Development 

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and develop full-time and seasonal employees. 
• Establish daily priorities, maintain accountability, and promote a safe, productive work environment. 

Budget & Financial Management 

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in coordination with the General Manager. 
• Monitor labor, supplies, chemicals, fuel, repairs, and purchasing while recommending equipment and capital investments. 
• Irrigation & Water Management 
• Oversee irrigation system operation, maintenance, and repairs. 
• Monitor system performance and water usage while identifying opportunities for improved efficiency. 

Equipment & Facilities 

• Manage equipment maintenance, preventive service schedules, repairs, and replacement planning. 
• Maintain safe, organized, and efficient maintenance facilities and storage areas. Safety & Regulatory Compliance 
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety and environmental regulations. 
• Maintain required licenses and oversee employee training, pesticide handling, storage, application, and documentation. 

Public Relations 

• Collaborate with the General Manager and other departments to integrate golf and non-golf activities into the daily work schedule. 
• Communicate course conditions, projects, and operational needs while responding professionally to concerns.

Capital Projects & Long-Term Planning 

• Recommend, plan and implement improvements to irrigation, drainage, bunkers, equipment, turf, trees, cart paths, and infrastructure. 
• Develop project budgets and, when applicable, coordinate contractors and vendors to ensure quality work and timely completion. 

The job posting outlines the general requirements for this position and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Additional duties not mentioned here may be assigned as needed to ensure the professional operation of the golf course.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

The ideal candidate is a superintendent who combines strong agronomic knowledge with a strong work ethic, leadership, organization, and financial responsibility. The successful candidate will: 

• Take pride in course conditioning and presentation. 
• Understand turfgrass management and the relationship between agronomy, weather, labor, and budget. 
• Have experience in trouble shooting issues across the board with a high level of mechanical aptitude.
• Be eager to take on capital projects internally to reduce expenses.
• Develop and execute effective seasonal maintenance plans. 
• Lead by example, develop employees, and maintain high performance standards.
• Manage people, equipment, and financial resources effectively. 
• Communicate professionally with leadership, committees, employees, vendors, and members. 
• Be organized, dependable, proactive, and solutions oriented. 
• Make sound decisions that support the golf course’s immediate needs and long-term interests.
• Balance hands-on involvement with strategic planning. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, and two to five years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

• Degree preference in agronomy, turfgrass management, horticulture, or plant/soil science or a related field. 
• We also welcome interest from highly qualified senior Assistant Superintendents with a minimum of 5 years of experience in golf course maintenance. 

• Experience leading a golf course maintenance team and managing an operating budget. 
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, water management, and equipment maintenance. 
• Illinois pesticide applicator certification or the ability to obtain it upon hire.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. 
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• Salary Range $117,269 - $164,177, depending on experience 
• Village Sponsored Health and Dental Insurance 
• IMRF Pension
• Paid vacation and holidays
•  Optional 457 deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA
• Life Insurance
• Continued Education
• Local and national dues 
• Uniforms provided 
• Golfing privileges 

About Glencoe Golf Club

Established in 1921, Glencoe Golf Club is a premier public golf destination situated across 126 scenic acres on Chicago’s historic North Shore. Originally designed by George O’Neil with subsequent renovations by Killian & Nugent, the club offers a classic par-72, 18-hole championship layout featuring mature tree-lined fairways, native prairie corridors, and gently rolling topography.   

Complementing the course is an upgraded practice facility featuring a 30,000-square-foot pristine grass tee line, a new short game area and regulation sized croquet court alongside a brand-new, modern Prairie-style clubhouse. This state-of-the-art facility transforms the property into a year-round hub for golf and hospitality, showcasing The Westley Bistro & Bar with outdoor terrace dining overlooking the 18th green, as well as an indoor TrackMan and multisport simulator suite.   

Environmental Stewardship & Certified Audubon Sanctuary

Glencoe Golf Club is committed to sustainable land management and ecological conservation. Designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through Audubon International and recognized as a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, the facility integrates active wildlife habitat management, pollinator preservation, water conservation, and native prairie stewardship into its daily agronomic operations. Glencoe was also recognized with 1st place in community engagement during the Audubon International BioBlitz, reflecting our dedication to uniting championship golf with environmental responsibility.