Director of Agronomy

Fiddler s Elbow Golf And Country Club Inc • Bedminster Township, NJ

9d

About The Position

Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, spanning
nearly
800
acres
across Hunterdon and Somerset counties in NJ, is seeking a visionary Director of Agronomy to oversee the year-round maintenance and strategic development of its 54-hole golf facility. The property includes three championship courses, a large practice area, aquatics center, tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and other amenities. This executive role leads the
golf course maintenance
team, ensures top tier playing conditions, and collaborates with Club leadership to enhance member and guest experiences. Future projects may include a new 18-hole course, a par-3 short course, expanded practice facilities, and a new maintenance complex.

At Fiddler's Elbow, our mission is not only to, "Enhance the lives of our Members & Guests with WOW moments they can't live without," but to also enhance and enrich the lives of our Fiddler's Family members.

Requirements

• GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) Class A Membership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum6years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance, with at least 3 years of senior leadership experience.
• Proven success managing multi-course operations or large-scale golf facilities.
• Strong knowledge ofcool-seasonturfgrass management in the Northeast U.S.
• Expertisein irrigation systems, turf equipment, and agronomic technologies.
• Valid NJ Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, andlift upto 50lbsregularly.
• Comfortable operating and inspecting turf equipment and machinery.
• Staminato managelong hours during peak golf season, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides (with proper PPE and training).
• Operation of heavy machinery and power tools.
• Working around uneven terrain, water hazards, and wildlife.
• Must follow all safety protocols and ensure team compliance with OSHA and club safety standards.

Nice To Haves

• CGCS (Certified Golf Course Superintendent) Certification
• Experience with course renovations or major capital projects.
• Familiarity with sustainability certifications (e.g., Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for all grounds and agronomy operations in alignment with the Club’s goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a professional team including superintendents, assistants,mechanicsandgolf course maintenancestaff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, pride, and continuous improvement.
• Overseeall aspects of golf course agronomy,turfgrass health, soil conditions, irrigation, drainage, andenvironmental stewardshipacross 54 holes.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality, ‘firm and fast’ playing conditions with maximum turf coverage and minimal weeds.
• Develop and implement agronomic programs foroptimalseason-long playing conditions with continually increasing standards.
• Implement modern agronomic practices and stay current with industry innovations.
• Supervisegarbage retrieval and disposal across the property.
• Assistwith event breakdowns on the golf courses, including setup and teardown.
• Oversee snow removal operations during winter months.
• Supportlogisticsand safety forspecial eventssuch as fireworks displays.
• Promote sustainable practices including water conservation, integrated pest management, and organic approaches where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets for the agronomy department.
• Oversee procurement of fertilizers, chemicals, sand, equipment, and other materials.
• Identifyandproposecapital improvement projects for the golf courses and present them for approval.
• Assistin leading,planning,and execution of renovations, construction, and improvement projects.
• Maintain and upgrade irrigation systems, drainage, cart paths, and maintenance facilities.
• Assistinidentifyingand engagingwith architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants as needed.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and Golf Operations team to ensure member satisfaction.
• Communicate course conditions, schedules, and project updates with transparency.
• Represent the agronomy department in board meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 2 days off per week
• Career advancement opportunities within our Club Development and Continuing Education
• Golf, Paddle/Tennis, and Fitness Privileges
• Paid Sick Leave
• PLUM Benefits
• Annual Summer and Holiday staff events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director