Description

Overview

Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club is seeking a Director of Agronomy to lead the agronomic program for its Arnold Palmer Signature course in South Florida. The role oversees course conditioning in a technically demanding bayfront environment shaped by paspalum management, heat and humidity, disease pressure, salt air, tidal influence, and drainage dynamics near protected mangrove corridors.

This leader serves as the primary agronomic voice for the property, reports directly to the GM/COO, and is a member of the club's senior management team. The position also chairs the Greens Committee alongside a Board Director and helps shape the long-term stewardship vision for the property.

The role is suited for a professional energized by training, pride of craft, and developing a team that grows agronomically, professionally, and personally under strong leadership.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Turf Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience considered.
• Minimum of eight to twelve years of progressive agronomic leadership experience, ideally at a high-caliber private club or resort property.
• Proven track record of delivering and sustaining peak playing conditions at a discerning membership club.
• Experience managing a full maintenance team and a meaningful agronomic budget.
• Florida Pesticide Applicator License.
• Florida Golf Course BMP Certification.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Ability to communicate effectively with board leadership, club executives, and maintenance staff.
• Thrives in a subtropical environment and approaches its challenges proactively.

Essential Responsibilities

• Own the agronomic program from soil to surface and develop and execute practices that deliver tournament-ready conditions year-round.
• Stay current on agronomic research, emerging turf technologies, and South Florida-specific disease and pest management.
• Ensure proper calibration, mixing, and application of all chemical and fertilizer inputs in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain Florida Pesticide Applicator License compliance and Golf Course BMP certification standards across the team.
• Proactively address environmental concerns including tidal, mangrove interface, and chemical containment as a steward of a sensitive coastal ecosystem.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the maintenance team, including the Assistant Superintendent, Equipment Manager, Irrigation Technician, Foreman, and Greenskeeping staff.
• Create a department culture built on accountability, hospitality, and craft.
• Conduct onboarding and ongoing training programs and manage performance with directness and fairness.
• Foster communication across departments, particularly with Golf Operations and Club Management.
• Chair the Greens Committee with a Board Director and translate agronomic strategy into board-level dialogue.
• Contribute to long-term capital planning, renovation scoping, and environmental stewardship programs.
• Provide timely agronomic reporting to the GM/COO and Troon Privé's agronomy team where applicable.
• Participate as a full member of the senior management team.
• Develop and manage the agronomy department budget, capital expenditure plans, and expense controls.
• Make fiscally disciplined decisions that support property standards and long-term financial health.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match (19 years of age and older).
• Paid time off (PTO) and leaves of absence, in accordance with applicable law and eligibility criteria.