A Look Into Working at Kalamazoo Country Club

Working at Kalamazoo Country Club offers a blend of tradition and community engagement. Employees are part of a team dedicated to providing top-notch experiences, whether through championship-grade golf, fine dining, or hosting events. The club values excellence, family, and creating memorable moments for members and guests. You will benefit from a supportive environment that emphasizes quality service and professional growth. With unrivaled benefits and opportunities to interact with club members and across departments, it is a diverse, dynamic, and rewarding place to work.

The 2nd Assistant Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for supporting the Golf Course Superintendent in the overall management and maintenance of the golf course grounds and surrounding areas. This role includes overseeing staff, ensuring course and facility maintenance, and handling various duties related to irrigation, landscaping, equipment maintenance, chemical applications, and seasonal tasks. This role will require you to maintain a 3A and 3B commercial spray license. Additionally, the 2nd  Assistant Superintendent will assist with clubhouse landscaping, special events setup (such as building a Halloween haunted house or installing Christmas lights), and various course improvements.

Top Reasons to Work With GHG

• We are one of the Nation's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for
• You’ll have the opportunity to work with a diverse team that is fun, high-energy, and passionate.
• You will grow your skills and experience in an environment that allows you to put your creativity to work.

Key Responsibilities 

Staff Management & Supervision:

• Assist in the hiring, training, and scheduling of grounds maintenance staff.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure that staff performs tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff, promoting a positive work environment.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance, offering feedback and addressing any issues that arise.
  
  

Course & Grounds Maintenance:

• Supervise and participate in mowing, rolling, and cutting cups on greens, tees, fairways, and roughs.
• Assist in fertilization programs and ensure the proper application of fertilizers, promoting healthy turf and growth.
• Oversee and manage irrigation systems, troubleshooting and repairing issues as needed, including fixing broken sprinkler heads, valves, and electrical components.
• Perform carpentry work on course structures (bridges, fences, benches) and other wooden features.
• Plan, oversee, and implement seasonal course improvements and projects, including bunker renovations and sodding.
• Assist with tree care, including trimming, planting, and removal of trees.
• Monitor turf conditions, and oversee planting and care of landscaping around the clubhouse, tennis, and pickleball courts.

Chemical & Fertilizer Application:

• Oversee the spraying of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers on the course.
• Follow safety protocols for the handling, storage, and application of chemicals and maintain accurate application records.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure proper maintenance and repair of golf course maintenance equipment such as mowers, tractors, aerators, and other machinery.
• Troubleshoot and make minor repairs to equipment, keeping tools and machinery in optimal condition.

Landscaping & Beautification:

• Assist with planting, growing, and maintaining plants, shrubs, and trees on the course, especially around the clubhouse, tennis, and pickleball areas.
• Oversee landscaping tasks to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the grounds and ensure proper care of all green spaces.

Special Projects:

• Lead and assist in special seasonal projects, including building and decorating a Halloween haunted house or installing Christmas lights around the clubhouse and other key areas.
• Assist in the planning and execution of other special events requiring grounds and building involvement.

Building Maintenance & Repairs:

• Assist with general building and facility maintenance, ensuring that clubhouse areas, restrooms, and other structures are in good repair.
• Help manage minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks for the clubhouse and course facilities.

Snow Removal & Winter Operations:

• Coordinate and assist in snow removal during the winter months to ensure that cart paths, walkways, and parking lots are clear and accessible.
• Operate snow removal equipment and maintain the grounds during winter.

New Construction Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in all phases of new course construction, including site preparation, shaping, drainage, irrigation installation, and grow-in of turfgrass.
• Work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent, architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Support development and implementation of agronomic plans for grow-in, including fertility programs, pest control, and turf establishment.
• Supervise and train grounds staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work during both construction and maintenance phases.
• Monitor course conditions, irrigation systems, and drainage to support optimal turf health and playability.
• Maintain accurate records of chemical applications, irrigation, labor, and project progress.
  

What You Need for this Position

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years experience in golf course maintenance, with skills in staff supervision, irrigation systems, chemical applications, and equipment repair.
• Requires you to get a Michigan 3A and 3B commercial spray license
• Strong knowledge of turf management, including the ability to identify and treat turf diseases, pests, and other issues.
• Experience with carpentry, building maintenance, and general groundskeeping tasks.
• Basic knowledge of electrical and plumbing systems for course maintenance.
• Ability to lead a team, prioritize tasks, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of grounds maintenance equipment, including mowers, aerators, and tractors.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including the physical stamina to perform manual tasks.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Previous experience with special events planning or holiday decorations is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Flexible work schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• On-call for emergency repairs or urgent maintenance tasks.
• Physical labor required, including lifting and carrying equipment.

What's in it for You

• Annual bonus opportunity 
• Accrued PTO starts immediately and is available as soon as a minimum of 2 hours is accrued
• 401K with 100% match up to 3% and 50% match up for the next 2%
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Disability/Life Insurance 
• Robust Employee Assistance Program providing a wide range of services including up to 7 free counseling sessions per year
• Health and wellness reimbursement up to $600 annually for items like massages, gym memberships, running shoes etc.
• 10% discount on GHG outlets
• (1) shift meal provided per day
• Discounted hotel rates at Choice Hotels worldwide
• Monthly cell phone stipends
• Annual leadership classes and trainings
• Parental Leave Program
• Flexible work schedule