Search and Hiring of Golf Course Superintendent
The Golf Course Superintendent is the most important employee of any golf course.
This is because every golf course is selling a quality golf experience. And the condition of the golf course is imperative to making any golf experience successful.
A Golf Course Superintendent is a “jack-of-all trades”. He or she must be an agronomist, have the ability to deal with the financial challenges of the club, be able to hire and direct a wide range of skilled laborers, abide by complex labor laws, be a politician, be an environmentalist, have strong communication skills, be a weatherman, have strong electrical and mechanically knowledge and above all he/she must be able to lead the course in the correct priorities of the property.
Most Golf Course Superintendent openings are filled by the “best” person that applies for the job. Our process is designed to retain the “right” person for the job.
We know what the “right” person needs to have in experience, expertise and personal traits. And we have the knowledge and ability to find that person, by utilizing our vast industry knowledge and contacts.
To find the “right” person for the job, many questions need to be asked:
- Is the club going to be involved in course renovations in the future?
- What are the agronomic issues that need to be addressed on the course?
- What are the issues that are important to the club?
- What does his/her experience say about their abilities?
- What education level is proper for the requirements of the job?
- What experience levels are needed to be successful at this club?
- What personal traits will be successful at the club?
- Why does this applicant want to leave his/her job?
- Will the reasons the last Superintendent left, apply to this applicant?
The “right” person for the job is often very reluctant to apply elsewhere, due to repercussions with their present employer. Many times finding the “right” person includes discreetly seeking out candidates that a club wishes to pursue or talking to industry resources to learn of an applicants job performance.
Our process is very straightforward and is as follows:
Step 1: Understand what is needed to hire the “right” Superintendent for that facility.
Step 2: Write a job description/posting.
Step 3: Determine a timetable to complete the process (normally: 5 to 8 weeks).
Step 4: Solicit candidates for the position. This is done by posting the opening in the appropriate locations, using industry contacts and most importantly utilizing our knowledge of Superintendents that are interested in pursuing other opportunities.
Step 5: Determine the best 10 to 16 applicants from the received resumes.
Step 6: From this group of 10 to 16, we then review the resumes in detail and conduct phone interviews with each candidate to further narrow the field to the top 5 to 8.
Step 7: From this group of 5 to 8, we then will contact the provided references to understand the applicants past job performance. This group will be narrowed down to the “best” 3 candidates, which are then presented to the club leadership.
Step 8: On-site interviews by the club.
Most search firms will charge the club a percentage of the first year salary of the position involved. This is typically from $20,000 to $40,000, plus expenses that can range above $6,000. But with our process, the fees will be much less.
We know that most clubs are capable to choose the “right” candidate from the (3) recommended candidates for themselves. Thus, during the site interviews we simply guide and support the club to make the “right” hiring decision.
Below is a list of successful GC Superintendent search and hiring assignments:
United States
ARIZONA:
CALIFORNIA:
- LaQuinta
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
COLORADO:
- Aspen
- Denver area (2)
- Grand Junction
- Colorado Springs
FLORIDA:
- Boca Raton
- Ocala
- Orlando
- Tampa
IDAHO:
SOUTH CAROLINA :
TEXAS:
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
International
- Mexico: Cancun
- St. Thomas
Contact us to get started now. Remember, the Golf Course Superintendent is vital to the financial success of every aspect of a club. When the golf course is in good condition, golfers will spend more money at your facility.
Visit our What Do You Think? page. It asks questions about taking care of your golf course and is a great tool to get an understanding of how you think compared to others.
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