Description

First Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Winnapaug Country Club - Westerly, RI

Winnapaug Country Club is seeking a highly skilled and motivated First Assistant Superintendent to support and elevate all outdoor operations. This leader will manage daily course maintenance, staff scheduling and performance, and the execution of key agronomic and operational goals in close coordination with the Superintendent. The ideal candidate is a proactive operator with excellent communication skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to create and implement clear SOPs for a lean, efficient team.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in daily golf course maintenance, ensuring top-tier playing conditions.
• Supervise and operate pumps, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and associated computer controls.
• Lead, schedule, train, and supervise grounds staff; resolve staffing and workflow needs.
• Complete office tasks including filing, recordkeeping, inventory management, and time record maintenance.
• Apply and oversee applications of fertilizers and chemicals; maintain proper documentation and compliance.
• Perform structural pest control and maintain a valid Structural Pest Control Applicator license; complete required continuing education.
• Operate and supervise heavy equipment (front-end loaders, backhoe, trencher) safely and efficiently.
• Monitor course conditions and recommend agronomic adjustments related to moisture, fertility, and pest pressure.
• Assist with irrigation repair, moisture management, and system updates.
• Coordinate with pro shop staff to ensure course readiness for daily play and tournaments, including in the Superintendent's absence.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all recurring maintenance tasks and operational processes.
• Support projects including drainage improvements, bunker work, and renovation initiatives.
• Promote a high-service, team-oriented culture; communicate effectively with staff, members, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain consistent on-site attendance per policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of progressive golf course maintenance experience, ideally at an assistant level.
• Certificate or degree in Turfgrass Management or related field preferred.
• Strong leadership, organization, and staff-management abilities.
• Experience with irrigation systems, chemical/fertilizer applications, and equipment operation.
• Ability to build and implement SOPs and structured workflows.
• Rhode Island pesticide/structural pest control licensure or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Commitment to quality conditioning, safety, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

Work occurs in both indoor and outdoor environments at a fast pace, with moderate to loud noise levels. While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms (including overhead), communicate clearly, and smell. Frequent tasks include performing heavy manual labor; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; sitting; climbing or balancing; and stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, or crawling. Leg and foot control may be required for machinery.

The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and move up to 100 pounds with assistance, and occasionally lift or move more than 100 pounds with assistance.

Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.