Director of Agronomy

Chileno Bay Golf and Beach Club is seeking a Director of Agronomy to oversee its 18-hole, Tom Fazio designed golf course and the construction of a new 18-hole facility, short course and practice areas.

The club sits on Cabo's most celebrated coast. Exclusively private, authentically inspired, Chileno Bay promises days full of exhilarating lesiure and nights of relaxed, indulgent comfort. This is a place where artisanal culture meets natural beauty, where majestic ocean waves lead inland to a swirling desert expanse.

The Tom Fazio-designed championship course offers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Residing across 1,200 acres of natural desert terrain, it is a members-only residential community featuring a luxurious beach club, and 400 residences. Chileno is part of an international group of luxury residential communities developed by Discovery Land Company. 

Club highlights:

• Rounds - 22,000
• Turf types: North Course: Salam Seashore Paspalum; South Course: Pure Dynasty Seashore Paspalum
• Irrigation system: Rainbird; Desalinization plant
• Membership demographics - 443 memberships including the following categories: Full, Resort, Promotional, Honorary, Founder & Lodging
• Golf Course Maintenance Budget - $6.189M
• Capital budget - $421K
• Average USGA handicap - 8.0-10.0
• Green speed expectations - 10.5 - 11 feet

To learn more, please visit https://chilenobayclub.com/

SUCCESS TRAITS OF INDIVIDUAL:

• Nature attitude of service.
• Positive and charismatic personality.
• Humble and a team player with training skills.
• Impeccable work ethic and detailed attention.
• Ability to lead by example and align with Chileno Bay Club Philosophy.
• Skill in recruiting, supervising, training, monitoring, evaluating, and motivating personnel.
• Interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and work effectively with supervisors, officials, employees, members, and the general public.
• High golf IQ - knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• 2 or 4-year degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, or a related field.
• 4 years agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science.
• Experience working in similar or more challenging growing environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of golf course superintendent experience at a facility known for great conditions.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Construction experience.
• Spanish speaking skills.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

•  USD/annual: 200,000 to 225,000
• Major Medical Expenses for Self + direct Family
• Individual life insurance
• Up to 15% Annual performance Bonus
• 2,000 USD monthly Housing
• Car & Gas Allowance
• 21 Days of vacation + 25% vacation premium
• 15 days of Christmas bonus

This role demands a comprehensive understanding of both the technical aspects of agronomy and the leadership qualities necessary to manage a team and oversee large-scale projects.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, APTITUDE AND OTHER TRAITS

Leadership and Vision:

• Ability to develop and implement a strategic agronomy plan aligning with the club's overall goals and vision.
• Proven leadership skills to lead, mentor, and manage the agronomy team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in implementing corrective actions as necessary to address any issues or inefficiencies.
• Skills in recruiting, training, and managing agronomy staff, including superintendents, assistants, and groundskeepers.
• Dedication to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure staff are up-to-date with the latest agronomic practices and technologies.

Budget Management:

• Expertise in developing, managing, and overseeing budgets for both the maintenance of the existing golf course and the construction of the new course.
• Strong financial acumen to monitor and control expenses, ensuring financial efficiency and adherence to budgetary constraints.

Project Management:

• Proficiency in overseeing the construction of the second golf course, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and budgetary requirements are met.
• Experience in coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.

Course Maintenance and Construction:

• Expert in Paspalum management including high level knowledge of management on greens, fairways and roughs including all chemical and pest control programs.
• Expertise in supervising the agronomic aspects of the new golf course construction, including soil preparation, turf selection, and establishment.
• Regularly evaluate the performance of both the maintenance and construction activities, using data and analytics to drive improvements.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with relevant regulations and standards during the construction process. 
• In-depth knowledge of turf management, pest control, irrigation, and overall course presentation to ensure the highest standards of maintenance for the existing golf course.
• Ability to develop and implement maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure optimal playing conditions.
• Proficiency in overseeing the maintenance and efficient use of all agronomy-related equipment.
• Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, and material requirements related to golf course maintenance and repair assignments.
• Ability to ensure adequate inventory and proper storage of supplies, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and other necessary materials.
• Commitment to implementing environmentally sustainable practices, including water conservation, soil health management, and integrated pest management.
• Knowledge of ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting biodiversity on the courses.

Communication and Member Relations:

• Excellent communication skills to regularly update club management, members, consultants, and other stakeholders on course conditions, maintenance activities, and construction progress.
• Ability to collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless integration of agronomy with overall club operations.
• Skills in addressing member concerns and feedback regarding course conditions and playability.
• Experience in organizing and participating in member events to gather insights and foster positive relationships.

Innovation and Research:

• Commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in agronomy, golf course maintenance, and construction technologies.
• Willingness to experiment with new techniques and products to continually enhance course quality and sustainability.
• Dedication to ensuring a safe working environment for all staff by adhering to safety protocols and providing necessary training.
• Skills in developing and implementing risk management strategies to protect the courses from potential hazards such as extreme weather events.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please send a detailed cover letter and resume address to Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, about why you are interested in Chileno Bay Club, and how this aligns with both your personal and professional ambitions. 

Applications will be received until July 31st, 2024 with anticipated interviews in early August. 

Note: It is required by law to have a 42-48-hour work week schedule, Monday through Saturday.