Golf Course Superintendent

Golf Course Superintendent Hooper’s Landing Golf Course | Adkins Management Company Seaford, Delaware Total Compensation Package: $75,000–$97,500, commensurate with experience About Hooper’s Landing Golf Course Hooper’s Landing Golf Course is a traditional, tree-lined golf course located in Seaford, Delaware. The original nine holes were built in 1949 by renowned golf course architect Alfred H. Tull, with an additional nine holes added in 1996 and designed by Richard Mandel. The course is known for its Bermuda fairways and classic, old-school design. Hooper’s Landing is currently embarking on an exciting seven-year greens renovation project, replacing the course’s original 1940s push-up greens while also making significant improvements to the irrigation system. Owned by the City of Seaford and managed by Adkins Management Company, Hooper’s Landing is committed to providing members and daily-fee golfers with a high-quality golf experience at an exceptional value. We are seeking an experienced, motivated Golf Course Superintendent who is ready to take ownership of day-to-day agronomic operations while playing a key role in our ongoing course renovation projects and the continued improvement of course conditions. The Golf Course Superintendent will report directly to the General Manager/Golf Professional and the Director of Agronomy for Adkins Management Company. Position Overview The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and agronomic performance of the golf course and surrounding grounds. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring an individual who is knowledgeable, organized, safety-conscious, and capable of working independently while effectively leading a maintenance team. Responsibilities include turfgrass and plant material management, irrigation, chemical and fertilizer applications, equipment and asset management, personnel supervision, budgeting, and the maintenance of tees, fairways, roughs, greens, bunkers, trees, landscaping, and other course areas. The ideal candidate will be a self-starting problem solver who takes pride in course conditions, communicates effectively with management and golfers, and is excited to contribute to a multi-year renovation program. Essential Functions The Golf Course Superintendent will: Work closely with and advise the Director of Agronomy and General Manager/Golf Professional on all matters related to golf course maintenance and agronomic operations.Direct and actively participate in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of the golf course.Play an integral role in the successful execution of the seven-year greens renovation project and ongoing irrigation improvements.Develop and implement effective turfgrass, plant health, and landscape maintenance programs.Manage the day-to-day operation of the golf course maintenance department.Serve as a hands-on leader who works alongside the maintenance team as needed.Develop and maintain an annual operating budget in coordination with the Director of Agronomy and General Manager.Plan and prioritize maintenance activities around daily play, tournaments, outings, and other course activities to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to golfers.Maintain open and consistent communication with the General Manager/Golf Professional and Director of Agronomy regarding course conditions, projects, staffing, budgets, and operational needs.Work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced outdoor environment.Primary Duties & Responsibilities Agronomic & Grounds Management Oversee the care and maintenance of turfgrass, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping throughout the facility.Manage the maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, and other playing surfaces.Develop and implement fertility, pest management, mowing, cultural, and plant health programs.Identify golf course pests, diseases, and other turfgrass issues and implement appropriate treatment programs.Direct and assist with planting, pruning, trimming, replacement, spraying, and general care of trees, shrubs, and ornamental plant material.Prepare and maintain soil and plant beds and address high-stress areas throughout the property.Develop landscape plans and assist with improvements to the facility grounds.Chemical & Regulatory Compliance Supervise and participate in the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals used on the golf course.Ensure all chemical applications are properly recorded and conducted in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.Maintain accurate application records and ensure safe handling, storage, and use of chemicals.Maintain required pesticide application licensing and certifications.Irrigation & Water Management Manage the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the golf course irrigation system.Work closely with management and contractors on irrigation improvement and renovation projects.Monitor retaining ponds, wells, and other water sources and provide management with regular updates regarding water usage and system needs.Anticipate irrigation-related maintenance, repair, and capital improvement requirements.Personnel Management Recruit, supervise, train, retain, and evaluate golf course maintenance staff.Lead seasonal employees and provide training as necessary.Monitor employee performance and address personnel issues in accordance with company policies.Provide technical, operational, and safety training to ensure employees work in accordance with OSHA and applicable state and federal safety guidelines.Promote a positive, professional, team-oriented work environment.Ensure employees properly and safely operate and maintain mechanical and power equipment.Equipment, Supplies & Asset Management Oversee the golf course equipment fleet, including routine maintenance, repairs, and scheduling of service.Maintain appropriate inventories of parts, supplies, fertilizers, chemicals, and other materials.Complete purchase orders and required documentation for parts, supplies, equipment, and services.Anticipate equipment, personnel, and material requirements to support maintenance and renovation projects.Maintain accurate records related to equipment, supplies, maintenance, and operations.Budgeting & Planning Assist the Director of Agronomy and General Manager in developing the annual operating budget.Assist in planning and budgeting for capital improvement and course renovation projects.Operate the department in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining high standards of course conditioning.Monitor expenditures and communicate anticipated needs to management.Communication & Customer Service Maintain professional and effective communication with the General Manager, Golf Professional, Director of Agronomy, staff, members, and the public.Communicate course conditions, maintenance schedules, projects, and potential disruptions as appropriate.Respond professionally to questions and concerns regarding golf course conditions and maintenance.Coordinate maintenance activities around golf play and special events to provide the best possible experience for golfers.Qualifications & Required Skills Required Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent or 1 year of experience as a Golf Course Superintendent.Strong knowledge of the maintenance and management of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, and bunkers.Knowledge of turfgrass management, pests, diseases, fertility, and cultural practices.Knowledge of golf course maintenance equipment and its proper operating and maintenance standards.Demonstrated ability to recruit, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate employees.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with management, employees, members, and the public.Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and make sound decisions.Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, material, and operational requirements.Valid driver's license.Valid Pesticide Application License appropriate for the position and state requirements.Preferred Two-year degree, certificate, or formal education in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, or a related field.Experience with golf course renovation or construction projects.Experience managing or maintaining irrigation systems.Experience managing Bermuda grass in a golf course environment.What We're Looking For The successful candidate will be a hands-on, team-oriented leader who takes ownership of course conditions and is excited about the opportunity to improve a historic golf course. This is an excellent opportunity for a superintendent who wants to play a meaningful role in a long-term renovation program while working with an experienced management team. The ideal candidate will bring strong agronomic knowledge, sound leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing golfers with consistently high-quality playing conditions. Compensation $75,000–$97,500 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Including: Health Care, End of Year Bonus, Simple Retirement Plan 3% Matching Location Hooper’s Landing Golf Course 1019 West Locust Street Seaford, DE 19973 Hooper’s Landing Golf Course and Adkins Management Company are committed to creating a professional, respectful, and team-oriented work environment. We encourage qualified candidates with a passion for golf course management and agronomy to apply. Pay: $75,000.00 - $97,500.00 per year Benefits: 401(k)Health insurancePaid time offWork Location: In person