Championship Agronomist
Job Title: R&A Championship Agronomist
Department: Sustainable Golf
Reporting To: Head of Sustainable Agronomy – Championship Venues
Job Purpose
To provide sustainable agronomy support to internal and external stakeholders across The R&A’s portfolio of over 65 championship venues in Great Britain & Ireland to deliver sustainable and environmentally positive world class playing conditions. Develop and maintain complex long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including venue Course Managers, greenkeeping teams and Club Officials, and by sharing information, providing recommendations, and negotiating, assist in the provision of challenging and environmentally positive golf courses.
Key Accountabilities
- Identify, analyse and mitigate unique risks including environmental, agronomic, budgetary and human resources to each venue and create sustainable short and long-term agronomy solutions to deliver world class playing conditions
- Formulate and implement a complex process of data analysis, data recording, field observations, and technical knowledge to provide both immediate and long-term decision making input into championship course set-up requirements and venue development strategies
- Investigate, develop and innovate new protocols, tools, technology, and systems to optimise the efficiency and quality of output to deliver excellence in course conditioning, performance and sustainability
- Design, plan, and implement visit schedules; and formulate and disseminate venue specific sustainable championship agronomy reports and recommendations to R&A management, up to CEO level, and external stakeholders including Course Managers, Club Officials, Greenkeeping Teams, and external consultants to aid in their decision-making regarding the agronomy of the course/s
- Participate in the dissemination of best practice agronomy, greenkeeping and environmental management messaging at R&A Championships to the wider golf and non-golfing world
- To be a leading figure in the increase of the adoption of sustainable agronomy practices and techniques by facilities in GB&I to help protect the long-term sustainability of the game
- Deliver strong and proactive communication to the Head of Sustainable Agronomy Services and the Director, Sustainable Golf, with inputs for the Sustainable Golf Committee and updates on progress and research priorities
Resource
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Deliver annual support schedule within allocated departmental budget
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Oversee expertise and input from external consultants at each venue
Expertise
- BSc Hons Plant, Soil or Sports Surface Science based degree is desirable but not essential for this position
- Significant experience in a decision making role in turf management industry
- Member of turf management professional body, e.g. BIGGA
- An understanding of the game of golf and wider environmental sustainability
- BASIS and FACTS qualifications are an advantage but not essential
If you are interested in this role, click on the apply now button below to see the full job description.
Closing Date: Monday 9th December 2024.
