DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY – THE CLUB AT QUAIL RIDGE

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Be a part of something amazing, as you help to shape the golfing experience at The Club at Quail Ridge.  As an established and exclusive country club community in the heart of Palm Beach County, The Club at Quail Ridge is seeking an accomplished leader to join their family, serving as the Director of Agronomy, managing a golf course maintenance team and creating unforgettable “first choice” golfing experiences for members and guests. This is an exceptional opportunity!

The Club at Quail Ridge is looking for its next leader to join our team of Managers who have helped the Club become both a Distinguished Club as recognized by Board Room Magazine and a Platinum Club of America by the Club Leaders Forum. This position will lead the day to day agronomic and maintenance operations of our 36-hole facility with an expansive short game area, driving range and large putting green. 

The Club at Quail Ridge is well known for its golf pedigree, counting some of the finest amateur golfers in the country as part of its Membership through the years. The Club is a Golf Centric Club and community that plays more than 78,000 rounds per year. The Club has a large number of low-handicap golfers, many of which belong to multiple clubs all over the world. The Members love golf and they have high expectations for course conditioning, attention to detail and the traditions that have been established in our 50-year history.

The Club is always focused on improving our amenities in all areas. Our South Course was redesigned by Bobby Weed Design in 2019 at an investment north of $7M and working with Fry – Straka Global Golf design, we began a significant $18M plus renovation of our North Course in 2023 completing a small first phase. The second phase will begin in mid-March of this year and continue through the end of 2024. The new Director of Agronomy will play a critical role in this renovation as well as the ongoing, playability of both courses. Major projects and construction experience is essential.

OUR COMMUNITY

Experience the Everything Matters lifestyle at The Club at Quail Ridge, a premier, private, gated Country Club community. Located in Boynton Beach, within the heart of Palm Beach County, Florida, our residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle of casual elegance and luxury. Quail Ridge offers over 600 acres of lush and beautifully landscaped grounds, 947 residences, 2 championship golf courses, 16 Har-Tru Tennis Courts, six Pickleball courts, a Spa & Fitness Center, miles of walking trails, an endless calendar of engaging social and cultural activities, world-class dining and sporting events, and a beautiful recently new 23-million-dollar Clubhouse. Our community is ideally located, close to fine restaurants, shops, entertainment, and cultural activities in one of America’s most famous vacation areas. Breathtaking beaches, boating, deep water sports, shopping, and entertainment are all nearby.

Quail Ridge has it all, showing our members an unparalleled level of service, security, and peace of mind. With 24-hour security patrol, on-site medical first response, and a host of community services including on-site housekeeping, general maintenance and in-home dining services. The Club is recognized as a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest organizations in the world that uses science, education and grassroots advocacy to advance its conservation mission.  It is the beautiful landscaping, safety, and service excellence at Quail Ridge that attracts residents to the community. The secret to our success is found in the genuine friendliness and camaraderie of our members and the impeccable service delivered by our dedicated staff, eager to exceed expectations.  

OUR MISSION 

At Quail Ridge, Everything Matters. Quail Ridge believes that quality employees create quality experiences, and we make the commitment to provide professional, consistent and first-class service with positive energy and a sense of urgency.

GOLF COURSE OPERATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The Golf Course team comprises approximately 50 staff year round, including two Superintendents and two Assistant Superintendents. 
• The golf course maintenance budget recently approved for 2024 is north of $4M. 
• The Club and Community reinvests annually with significant capital to insure that our golf course maintenance team have the proper equipment to maintain the facilities in a first class manner.
• Green Committee meetings – 5-6 per year; 9-11 total members
• Total rounds – 78,000; 90-percent are cart rounds
• Total members – 971; average age – 70
• Irrigation type – Effluent, Rainbird​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Position reports to Mr. Bill Langley, CEO

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Agronomy is responsible for the high quality daily maintenance, attention to detail and management of two golf courses and all related facilities. The Director must have significant knowledge and experience with south Florida Bermuda grasses and year around growing conditions. The responsibilities are to supervise the ongoing professional maintenance of the golf courses, the servicing and repair of turf grass maintenance and construction equipment, to keep appropriate records, and to prepare budgets and reports. This position will also be critically involved in all golf course renovations as the main point of contact between the Architects, senior management, the Board and Golf & Green Committee. Previous golf course construction or renovation experience is a critical component of this role. Responsible for the direction and supervision of the day-to-day activities of all Golf Course Maintenance staff.

KEY SUCCESS TRAITS

• Minimum 10 years of experience as Director of Agronomy (top job), preferably with minimum 5 years of that experience managing a 36-hole facility
• Experience managing a member-owned facility where members have very high expectations for conditioning of the golf course(s)
• Experience managing a high-volume facility operating year-around with peak season demands
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing warm season grasses found in South Florida
• Significant golf course construction and/ or renovation experience
• Excellent communicator with members and staff
• Resident expert, who advocates for course and operational improvements to insure Quail Ridge is considered a top tier facility for members, guests and staff.
• Team developer – takes pride in building a team of turf professionals. 
• Strong relationship builder
• A great delegator with strong organizational and priority management skills
• Drives results and team members to take ownership in operations.
• Reputation for attention to detail, high quality golf course conditioning and member services.
• Holds all licenses (pesticides, herbicides, etc.) required in South Florida
• High golf IQ – Plays golf regularly at a reasonably high level (preferably)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the direction, management, and supervision of the day-to-day activities of the GCM employees, including their selection, training, salary, placement, promotion, separation, and disciplinary action, in cooperation with the Human Resources Director.  
• Works with our Architects and senior management on any renovation or construction projects of the putting green, greens, tees, fairways, roughs and bunkers, cart paths, etc.
• Supervises the maintenance of putting greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, and related areas.
• Supervises the planting and cultural practices involved in growing various turf grasses, trees, and ornamental plants.
• Supervises the efficient operation of an equipment service and repair shop.
• Procures supplies and materials within budgetary limitations.
• Keeps records of annual maintenance activities and costs.
• Provides input and cooperates with the General Manager and CFO in preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Keeps GM/COO advised of maintenance problems or issues related to Golf Course operations.
• Must be available during regularly scheduled hours of management to conform to Golf Course operations and services. 
• Extend extreme courtesy to all Quail Ridge Country Club members and fellow employees.
• Works closely with Community General Manager, CFO, Director of Operations, Director of Golf, Controller, and Human Resource Director.
• Continuously seeks improvements within the courses to provide the highest level of conditioning and attention to detail possible. 
• Integrates Florida Best Management Practices into operations to insure The Club at Quail Ridge is a leader in environmental stewardship.
• Oversees, protects, maintains, renovates or replaces physical assets in Golf Course Maintenance area within approved budgets.
• Ensures that the courses are operated in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.

PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS

• Attends Committee and Board meetings as a Quail Ridge Director.
• Performs position with high standards, and integrity and in a timely and efficient manner.
• Thoroughly evaluates all personnel who report directly to the Department Head on an annual basis.  
• Recommends wage and bonus payments for Department employees to the General Manager/COO.
• Is current on all HR policies and ensures new information and policies are communicated at all levels.
• Reviews costs relative to goals; takes corrective action as necessary in close association with the General Manager and CFO.  
• Ensures compliance with purchasing and inventory policies within the Department.
• Maintains membership with relevant professional associations.  Attends conferences, workshops, and meetings to keep abreast of current information and developments in the field, as approved by the General Manager.
• Participates in outside activities that are approved by the General Manager to enhance the prestige of the community, and fulfill the public obligations of Quail Ridge.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to engage with stakeholders, knowledge of industry suppliers
• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in Golf Course Maintenance/Turf Maintenance.
• Knowledge of the use of turf and landscaping equipment including tractors, mowers, aerifiers, electric motors, etc.
• Excellent computer skills, including extensive use of Microsoft Office programs.
• Efficiently handle multiple calls to customers, members, vendors, and the general public.
• Respond to member complaints and inquiries in a courteous, friendly, and timely manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and coordinate and complete tasks with limited supervision. 
• Detail-oriented individual and possesses time management skills.
• Fluent reading and writing in English with the ability to recognize signs and symbols.
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with all employees, management, and members.  

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s Degree required in turf grass management/golf course management/agronomy/horticultural/plant/soil science or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Requires knowledge of irrigation and current chemical practices.
• Must have or be able to attain a Florida State Pesticide License.
• Requires extensive knowledge of all turf equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of Club standard operating policies and procedures.  
• Committed to continuing education classes related to golf course maintenance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary open and will commensurate with experience
• Personal and holiday vacation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Typical GCSAA benefits 
• Retirement plan

The Club at Quail Ridge is a Drug Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Instructions: 

To apply, please send a detailed cover letter addressed to Mr. Bill Langley, CEO at The Club at Quail Ridge, along with your resume as to why you are a good fit for The Club at Quail Ridge. 

Please save your information as one file titled: (Last Name, First Name, ClubatQuailRidge)You can submit your information through the job link found here or directly to Search Consultant, Tyler Bloom, at tyler@tylerbloomconsulting.com.

Please submit no later than February 28th, 2024.  In-person interviews are expected to take place in early March.

APPLY HERE