Sarasota, Florida
Posted: 11-Nov-25
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Type: Full Time
Salary: 250,000 - 300,000
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Laurel Oak Country Club is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity of Director of Agronomy and Grounds.
Laurel Oak Country Club is a distinctive family-oriented private county club situated within the gates of Laurel Oak Estates in Sarasota Florida. With two exceptional courses, designed by Rees Jones and Gary Player, consistently ranked the best in our market and combined with an incredible clubhouse, club amenities, engaging family activities and a vibrant social atmosphere; Laurel Oak County Club represents the best of private club lifestyle for its Members and Guests.
For the Members of Laurel Oak, the 45,000 square foot clubhouse, newly renovated Lounge & Lounge Patio, Men’s, and Women’s Locker Rooms, provide an abundance of space and opportunity to enjoy all aspects what our Club has to offer. Each day is filled with a buzz of activity as our golf and tennis groups finish daily games, and social groups get together for cards and morning book club readings, all of whom are here to enjoy their benefits of membership. The culinary scene at Laurel Oak covers a variety of offerings that cater to the needs and preferences of our Membership, while also focusing on innovation and constant pursuit of the "Wow Factor". From themed action stations, club traditions and à la carte dining to multi-course specialty dinners, private events and non-member events, we accept the challenge of exceeding the expectations of a very diverse audience.
At Laurel Oak, one of the significant pillars of our success is the culture of our team members and how that translates to the social environment of our club and membership. We cherish every opportunity to create an exceptional experience for our members and guests. The Food & Beverage department is the one amenity that impacts all categories of membership and therefore, is at the forefront of executing our Club Vision.
Laurel Oak Country Club is the premier, private, family-oriented club in Southwest Florida, presenting our membership with a relaxed and comfortable sense of community while offering superior amenities, facilities, and social programming. While providing the highest service standards with uncompromising attention to detail, our goal is to enrich experiences and enrich your life.
Salary & Benefits
Annual Earning Potential: $250K - $300K, dependent on experience.
Full health care benefits package, including medical, dental, and ancillary insurance,401k and paid time off.
Our Culture and Values provides Team Members with a rewarding lifestyle and work/life balance.
Job purpose
The Director of Agronomy & Grounds is responsible for implementing sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the various budgets established by the club or property. Responsible for leading all team members in Agronomy and Grounds Maintenance to foster an engaged team member culture. Responsible for the management of golf course assets, clubhouse and amenity common grounds and landscaping, capital, and improvement projects.
Duties and responsibilities
- Responsible for requisitions, interviewing, and screening potential team members, eventually hiring, orientation, training (responsibilities, safety, accuracy, quality workmanship, preventive maintenance, course etiquette and member relations) and monitoring 90-day probationary periods and daily team member performance. All necessary forms must be completed and submitted before team members begin work.
- Responsible for documenting performance during the 90-day probation period, annual proficiency, on-going training, and informational meetings with team.
- Responsible for progressive discipline, hiring and termination of Team Members.
- Assures that effective orientation and training are given to each new team member.
- Directly supervises and implements sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the facility.
- Develops budgeting and capital plans.
- Manages expenses within the department in accordance within budget.
- Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information as directed, requested, or required by Hampton Golf representatives or the General Manager, LOCC Committees and LOCC Board of Governors.
- Maintains clear understanding of and implements all Hampton Golf Agronomy standards in addition to ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory standards/laws.
- Stays abreast of current agronomic information.
- Ensures proper mixing, calibration, and application of all chemical/fertilizers used on the course; ensures that all applications are properly recorded and tracked for documentation purposes.
- Ensures that they and all team members obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to perform job tasks safely and within city, state, and federal regulations.
- Addresses directly all real or perceived environmental concerns.
- Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activity on the course and provides constant feedback and direction to key staff members.
- Ensures both upward and downward communication within the department and interdepartmentally.
- Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork, communication, ethical behavior, cleanliness and a “can do” attitude.
- Develops, trains, coaches, and disciplines managers within the department providing feedback, direction, and leadership so that they may carry out the daily activities of the department, all while grooming them for upward mobility within the Company.
- Develops ongoing training programs.
- Incorporates safe work practices in job performance.
- Promotes owner, management and member and guest satisfaction by professionally, courteously, and diplomatically communicating activities, goals, plans, while receiving input in the same manner.
- Display telephone etiquette by answering and returning phone calls in a prompt, courteous and professional manner.
- Attends weekly executive employee meetings as required. Conducts weekly employee meetings for systematic communications with regard to the operation. Provide written information for member newsletters.
- Annually prepares a full facility written inventory and video records the building and contents for Insurance purposes.
- A member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association and possess a current state certificate or license as a pesticide applicator.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree (BA) preferably in Agronomy; and five to ten years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A Valid Driver’s License is required.
- Must have a State Pesticide Applicator License
- GCSAA Certification preferred.
- Working knowledge of the maintenance of golf course tees, fairways, and greens; seeding and maintenance practices for golf course turf; planting, cultivating, pruning, and caring for plants, shrubs, and trees; characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners; herbicides and pest control methods and materials; drainage control methods; irrigation systems, including wells, pumps, and automatic controls.
- Ability to schedule and supervise maintenance work to achieve the most efficient utilization of workers and equipment; prepare clear and concise reports; maintain effective team member and public relations.
- Possesses expert level understanding of irrigation principles and management.
- Demonstrates ability to build and implement an elemental based fertility program.