First Assistant Greenkeeper
An exciting opportunity has become available at Royal Birkdale for a passionate, motivated and ambitious individual to join our greenkeeping management team as First Assistant Greenkeeper.
Working closely with the Course Manager, Deputy Course Manager and wider management team, the successful candidate will play an important role in the day-to-day management of the golf course and greenkeeping department. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced greenkeeper looking to develop their leadership and management skills and take the next step in their greenkeeping career towards golf course management.
The First Assistant Greenkeeper will support the Course Manager in maintaining the highest standards across the golf course, while taking an active role in the planning, organisation and delivery of daily maintenance programmes, projects and preparations for future events.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Supporting the Course Manager and Deputy Course Manager with the day-to-day management and tournament preparation of the golf course and greenkeeping team.
- Taking responsibility for the course and greenkeeping operation when the Course Manager and Deputy Course Manager are unavailable.
- Assisting with the planning and prioritisation of work within agreed maintenance and project programmes.
- Leading, motivating and supporting the greenkeeping team to ensure consistently high standards are achieved.
- Involved with staff training, development and the implementation of agreed standards and working practices.
- Promoting a positive, professional and team-focused working environment.
- Collection, recording and analysis of course data to support informed maintenance decisions.
- Assisting with the implementation and monitoring of the club's health and safety procedures and documentation.
Essential Attributes
- Minimum NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent.
- PA1, PA2 and PA6a spraying qualifications.
- Good understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
- Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- Thorough understanding of modern greenkeeping practices.
- Experience of in-house course renovation work.
- Relevant IT skills and confidence using computer-based systems.
- Good understanding and appreciation of the game of golf.
Personal Qualities
- Professional approach with high standards of workmanship.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Enthusiastic, positive and dynamic.
- Prepared to work a flexible working pattern to fulfil the needs of the course.
- Confident in their own ability and willing to take responsibility.
- Ambitious and committed to continuous personal and professional development.
- Collaborative and able to motivate and support colleagues.
- Positive and productive approach when working in challenging situations.
Desired Attributes
- Links golf course experience.
- Irrigation set-up, repair and installation experience.
- Tournament and major event experience.
- Experience of supervising or leading a greenkeeping team.
Applications, including a covering letter and CV, should be sent to - [email protected]
Application closing deadline 14th October.
