Example Job Description - Greenkeeper
Although there are many job titles for workers on golf courses e.g. Assistant Greenkeeper, Greenkeeper, First Assistant Greenkeeper, Foreman, Deputy Head Greenkeeper, Head Greenkeeper, Deputy Course Manager, Course Manager etc, there are three types of job.
These are greenkeeper, supervisor and manager. Because of tradition or local needs, some golf clubs may wish to continue to call their supervisors for example, first assistants, deputy head greenkeepers or deputy course managers. It is recommended that they are all called supervisors for job specification, salary and terms and conditions of service. Similarly, managers can be called for example head greenkeeper or golf course manager. It is recommended that they are all called managers for job specification, salary and terms and conditions of service
The job specification below shows the range of duties that trained, qualified greenkeepers could perform. Golf clubs can use these specifications to create job descriptions appropriate to their needs and to the capabilities of their staff. For example, a trainee greenkeeper may be expected to perform only a limited range of greenkeeper duties and, similarly, a deputy course manager may not be fully competent in all of the management skills needed by a course manager.
GREENKEEPER JOB SPECIFICATION
A fully trained, qualified greenkeeper should be capable of:
1. Promoting the Health and Safety of self and others by:
Maintaining healthy and safe working practices, including:
Outlining the club’s Health and Safety policy.
Knowing the location of the Health and Safety Policy Document, first aid boxes and accident book.
Conducting a basic risk assessment.
Selecting and wearing appropriate footwear and clothing.
Promoting safe practices to others.
Communicating risks and hazards to appropriate persons.
Selecting and using tools and equipment consistent with risk assessments.
Respond to emergencies, including:
Fires, chemical spillages and injuries both indoors and outdoors
Using emergency equipment e.g. fire extinguishers.
Calling assistance.
2. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with managers, colleagues and golfers by:
Communicating effectively.
Offering advice and help as appropriate.
Dealing with conflict.
Honouring commitments.
Keeping management informed.
Understanding roles and responsibilities
3. Maintaining turf that includes:
Switching and brushing Repairing divots
Mowing banks Irrigating turf
Mowing rough Applying pesticides
Mowing semi rough Identifying and controlling moss
Mowing fairways Controlling pests
Mowing surrounds Controlling diseases
Mowing tees Renovating and repairing turf
Mowing greens Aerating turf
Scarifying turf Applying fertiliser
Applying top dressing Rolling turf
Applying pesticides
4. Preparing the Course for play that includes:
Marking of hazards, out of bounds and GUR
Moving tee markers
Maintaining bunkers
Maintaining golf course furniture
Changing holes
5. Operating and maintaining machinery including:
Tractor driving
Machine maintenance
Preparing machinery for use
Preparing machinery for storage
6. Golf course construction including:
Preparing ground for establishing plants
Laying drains
7. Establishing plants on the golf course including:
Trees, shrubs and turf
8. Maintaining plants other than turf on the golf course including:
Pruning trees and shrubs
Identifying plants and grasses
Additional skills could include:
Safe use of chain saw
All terrain vehicle driving
Safe use of abrasive wheels
Safe lifting and handling
Customer care
Example of a GREENKEEPER JOB DESCRIPTION
Golf Club Name: Sunnygreen Golf Club
Title: Greenkeeper
Reports to: First Assistant
Based at: Sunnygreen Golf Club, Rolling Hills, Hampshire, RH56 7YT
Job purpose:
To carry out routine golf course maintenance tasks as directed by the First Assistant, in accordance with the Club’s Golf Course Maintenance Policy, its Health and Safety Policy and the Greenkeepers Code of Conduct.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
1. Cut tees, greens, surrounds, fairways, rough and semi rough.
2. Set up the golf course, including changing holes, moving tee markers, indicating OOB, Drop zones and hazards.
3. Switch and brush greens
4. Apply top dressing and fertilizer
5. Identify and control pests and diseases
6. Renovate worn and damaged turf
7. Prepare and maintain machinery
