Director of Agronomy

About Winnetka Golf Club
Located in the heart of Winnetka, the golf club offers a championship 18-hole, par 3 nine-hole, driving range, practice greens and a clubhouse with a fully stocked golf shop with F&B concessions.  Winnetka Golf Club is currently going through a full course renovation which includes tee renovations, all 27-hole greens renovation along with greens surrounds, irrigation and greenside bunker renovation.  The facility is working with Golf Course Architect Rick Jacobson and Golf Course Construction Company Wadsworth Golf to complete the project.  The anticipated opening of the 27-hole facility will be summer 2024.  Learn more about the club here!

A day in the life
As the Director of Agronomy, you will be responsible for all activities related to the care and maintenance of the golf course, grounds, and equipment; planning and implementing budgets; hiring, training and supervising staff. You will also apply relevant landscaping, horticultural principles to assure that quality standards are consistently achieved and/or exceeded.
Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Develop the annual maintenance budget and operating plan.
• Plan and implement staffing schedules to ensure quality standards are achieved at minimum employee cost.
• Maintain the golf course in proper playing condition according to Company standards.
• Develop and maintain drainage, irrigation, pumping and water reservoir systems.
• Supervise all planting, fertilizing and care of turf, plants, shrubs, and trees on the golf course and grounds.
• Supervise course construction projects.
• Supervise equipment maintenance and repair operations.
• Ensure maintenance of all appropriate quality and cleanliness standards.
• Implement and monitor the purchase ordering and receiving program to maintain proper inventories of supplies and ensure proper quantity and price on all purchases.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, OSHA rules and regulations, relating to chemical and fertilizer storage and disposal, employee safety, public safety, etc.
• Manage employment activities for applicable staff members.
• Maintain knowledge of current and projected industry developments through continuous attention to industry periodicals and participation in relevant trade associations and organizations.
• Maintain accurate records for pertaining to department activities.
• Assure the efficient and timely submission of all required operational, financial, budgetary and related reports.
• Perform other duties as appropriate.

Ideal candidate

• High school education required; college degree preferred.
• 4 years applicable functional, supervisory and/or management experience, preferably in the golf industry.
• Previous experience with construction and grow in.
• Assistant Superintendents encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience and capability in the areas of budget development, fiscal management, strategic planning, staff management.
• Demonstrated quality written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems; efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure with minimal supervision; work flexible hours as required including nights/weekends.
• Positive attitude, professional manner and appearance in all situations.

KemperSports Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer