Director of Agronomy (FT)

Grand Traverse Resort•Acme, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Agronomy leads outdoor maintenance operations at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, overseeing golf course conditioning, groundskeeping, landscaping, fleet maintenance, and employee housing grounds. The role is accountable for maintaining high standards of quality, safety, guest and member satisfaction, and visual appeal across the resort property. It develops and manages turf and landscape programs, ensures regulatory compliance, coordinates contractors, maintains operational records, and responds to grounds and facility requests. The Director leads staffing and employee development, including hiring, scheduling, performance management, training, employee relations, and enforcement of resort policies and safety procedures. The position also manages annual operating and capital budgets, plans and executes capital projects, and establishes multi-year improvement plans for playing surfaces, turf health, playability, and aesthetics. The role collaborates with the General Manager, Vice President of Finance, and other directors to support resort standards, operational efficiency, and financial goals. This is a full-time, salaried exempt role with long hours at times, early starts, and a varying schedule that may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is regularly outdoors in varying weather and involves physical labor, operating equipment and vehicles, and exposure to mechanical equipment and other conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or a related field.
At least five years of supervisory experience in golf course or grounds maintenance.
At least eight years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance leadership; four to seven years may be considered with strong qualifications.
Current and valid Restricted Use Pesticide license in at least three categories: core, 3a, and 3b.
Valid Michigan driver’s license and insurability under company policy.
Demonstrated experience managing large teams and complex budgets.
Experience with bent grass management and agronomy in the Northern Michigan climate.
Experience planning and executing long-range, large-scale capital projects.
Knowledge of irrigation systems and components in relation to best agronomic practices.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance tracking systems.
Ability to pass an employment background screening and drug screen.
Ability to motivate, lead, and develop staff to meet deadlines and quality standards.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with varied personalities.
Customer service and problem-solving skills; ability to adapt to changing priorities, guest needs, and environmental conditions.
Strong time management, organization, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to perform manual labor, lift up to 60 pounds, and consistently stand, bend, kneel, reach, twist, squat, and use arm-hand coordination.
Ability to operate power equipment and fleet vehicles as needed.
Ability to handle stressful situations professionally, communicate by radio, telephone, and in person, and interpret safety rules, equipment instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to organize team performance, use individual strengths, and develop alternative plans with minimal notice.
Analytical and strategic capabilities, including computing rates, ratios, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volumes, and interpreting scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Knowledge of ordering and purchasing, inventory control, budget management, and profit-and-loss accountability.
Understanding of equipment, engine, and hydraulic mechanical operations; preventative maintenance systems; and calibration of sprayers, spreaders, scientific instruments, software, and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

Lead golf course and grounds maintenance operations, including course maintenance, fleet equipment and vehicle repair, resort grounds, landscaping, and employee housing property grounds.
Develop, implement, and oversee turf and landscape maintenance programs covering mowing, fertilizing, pesticide application, irrigation, and snow removal.
Maintain high standards of course conditioning, visual appeal, and member satisfaction.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including requirements for pesticide and fertilizer applications.
Supervise and coordinate outside contractors for grounds and fleet projects.
Respond professionally and promptly to guest and internal requests for grounds maintenance and facility support.
Evaluate golf courses and direct and support implementation of best practices and quality course conditions.
Maintain daily records of weather, course conditioning, cultural practices, equipment maintenance, fertilizer use, and pesticide applications.
Make decisions consistent with resort core values and schedule staffing according to business needs and budgeted staffing guides.
Establish and enforce workplace health and safety procedures, including MIOSHA/OSHA compliance and employee injury and accident reporting.
Coordinate hiring with Human Resources, review applications, interview candidates, and select qualified employees.
Promote a fair, respectful workplace and employee retention; motivate, coach, mentor, train, and develop team members.
Set performance expectations, assign and supervise work, hold staff accountable, and administer performance reviews and progressive discipline.
Build schedules, maintain budget-appropriate staffing, approve time-away requests and timecards, and ensure attendance documentation procedures are followed.
Enforce employee conduct, dress, and grooming standards and communicate with executives, managers, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates.
Manage the department’s annual operating and capital budgets and oversee planning and execution of major capital improvement projects.
Establish one- to five-year plans to improve playing surfaces, turf health, playability, and aesthetics.
Implement methods to control operating costs and maximize resources while aligning agronomic practices with resort standards and long-term goals.
Collaborate with the General Manager, Vice President of Finance, and other directors to support guest satisfaction, operating expense management, quality, and resort profitability.