Description

Overview

The Grounds Superintendent is responsible for all agronomic and landscaping operations of the golf course and surrounding facilities at Elks Country Club. This includes turf maintenance, irrigation systems, landscaping, pool season startup/repairs and poolside grounds, clubhouse lawn, on-course restrooms, and driving range maintenance. The Superintendent ensures a superior playing surface and attractive landscape presentation across all member-facing areas.

Opened in 1965 and designed by Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Dick Phelps, the Elks lays on a wonderful piece of property on the north side of Columbus. Phelps' partnership with Kevin Atkinson is also credited with two other excellent Nebraska properties - Oak Hills in Omaha (1967) and Heritage Hills in McCook (1981).

In the beginning, approximately 100 individuals who - over some debate and many rounds of golf at Columbus' Wayside Country Club (now Van Berg Golf Course) - pledged their commitment to building an 18-hole course on 120 acres of land northwest of Columbus. Members of Wayside and members of the Elks Lodge met and decided to invest as well as borrow money to build - at first - a nine-hole course with the intention to make it an 18-hole course.

The course remained a 9-hole property for 5 years, before another loan and a $3,500 assessment from each member provided enough collateral to develop the back nine. The original routing was a bit different than the one we know today but the course has stood the test of time since its completion in 1970.

Host of the annual Nebraska Open, our course is beautifully tree-lined with rye grass fairways and extremely true rolling bent grass greens. Situated just 10 minutes north of downtown Columbus on a wonderful piece of rolling property, our par 72 championship golf course is a challenging, but fair layout. The back tees stretch out to 6600 yards with multiple tee selections to be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.

Experience Required

• Degree or certification in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field preferred. 5+ years of supervisory experience in golf course maintenance required.
• Must have working knowledge of irrigation systems, chemical application, equipment operation, and Nebraska growing conditions. A pesticide applicators license and Nebraska water operator license are requirements of this job. Weekend availability is required.

Essential Responsibilities

Golf Course Maintenance

• Lead day-to-day turf maintenance: mowing, fertilization, aeration, pest control, Bunker care, and seasonal preparation.
• Maintain consistency of greens, tees, fairways, and roughs in alignment with
• Tournament schedules and member expectations.

Irrigation & Water Management

• Monitor and maintain irrigation systems for the entire course and landscaped areas near the clubhouse and pool.
• Implement water conservation practices and troubleshoot system failures.

Facility Grounds Maintenance

• Manage appearance and maintenance of clubhouse surroundings, pool deck
• Landscaping, and kids pool areas.
• Oversee cleanliness, upkeep, and seasonal planting.

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, and schedule maintenance staff and seasonal workers.
• Conduct daily assignments, quality control checks, and safety meetings.
• Equipment & Shop Oversight
• Oversee maintenance and safe operation of mowers, sprayers, and tools.
• Maintain relationships with equipment vendors, schedule servicing.

On-Course Amenities

• Ensure cleanliness and readiness of on-course restrooms, restock paper supplies and water stations.
• Oversee grounds around snack shacks and beer cart routes.

Budget & Planning

• Develop and manage turf maintenance budget; forecast labor, fertilizer, seed, and repair needs.
• Provide strategic insight to GM and Board regarding capital improvement projects.

Benefits

• Insurance Stipend
• Phone Stipend
• Food and Beverage credit
• 3 weeks' vacation
• Family Golf Membership
• Cost of Living adjustment determined yearly by the Board of Directors
• Continuing education, Certifications, and Conference Expenses all paid.