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The Golf Course Maintenance Operator I is responsible for performing a variety of golf course maintenance duties and safely operating equipment used to maintain Imperial Golf Club's two 18-hole golf courses and surrounding grounds. This is a hands-on position that plays an important role in maintaining the appearance, condition, playability, and overall quality of the golf courses.

The Operator I performs both skilled equipment operation and general labor duties and must be able to work independently and as part of the Golf Course Maintenance team. The position requires a strong commitment to safety, equipment care, attention to detail, and high-quality course conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Safely operate golf course maintenance machinery and equipment as assigned.
• Perform daily maintenance activities on greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, approaches, and other course areas.
• Mow greens, collars, approaches, and other designated turf areas using appropriate equipment.
• Assist with bunker maintenance, including adding, distributing, and leveling sand.
• Assist with fertilizer applications, overseeding, topdressing, and other turf maintenance practices as directed.
• Blow debris from fairways, greens, tees, cart paths, slopes, and other course areas.
• Assist with course setup activities, including changing cups and preparing playing surfaces.
• Inspect, clean, fuel, and properly care for assigned equipment.
• Identify and report equipment problems, turf concerns, irrigation issues, safety hazards, or unusual course conditions to a supervisor.
• Assist other Golf Course Maintenance employees and departments as necessary to support daily operations.
• Follow all Club safety procedures and Golf Course Maintenance operating practices.

Duties Include

• Operate rotary mowing equipment, triplex mowers, walk-behind mowers, utility vehicles, blowers, and other golf course maintenance equipment.
• Mow greens, collars, approaches, and designated turf areas.
• Verticut greens and tees as directed.
• Brush greens and tees.
• Mat greens and tees.
• Perform bunker maintenance, including adding and leveling sand.
• Assist with topdressing operations, including filling and supporting material trailers.
• Assist with overseeding greens and other designated turf areas.
• Apply fertilizers to greens and tees as assigned and when properly trained and authorized.
• Blow off fairways, greens, tees, cart paths, slopes, and other areas.
• Pick up plugs and debris following maintenance operations.
• Police golf course areas for trash and debris.
• Clean equipment after use and fuel equipment daily as required.
• Assist with training entry-level employees when requested.
• Participate in ongoing golf course maintenance and equipment training.
• Perform general labor duties and other responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Position is classified as heavy physical work, including lifting, pulling, pushing, moving, or assisting with items weighing 25 pounds or more.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to climb, crawl, kneel, and perform fine hand and finger movements as required.
• Ability to safely enter, exit, sit on, and operate golf course maintenance equipment for extended periods.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, dust, and other outdoor elements.
• Regular exposure to moving machinery, mechanical hazards, grass, soil, water, fertilizers, and other materials commonly associated with golf course maintenance.
• Personal protective equipment must be worn when required.
• Must have the ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively to safely perform assigned duties.

Qualifications

• Previous golf course, landscaping, grounds maintenance, agricultural, or equipment operation experience preferred.
• Experience operating golf course maintenance equipment is preferred; training may be provided to qualified candidates.
• Ability to safely operate machinery and follow equipment operating procedures.
• Basic understanding of golf course maintenance practices preferred.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Strong attention to safety, detail, and quality of work.
• Dependable and able to work independently with appropriate supervision.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work outdoors.
• Ability to learn additional equipment and golf course maintenance practices as assigned.
• Valid driver's license preferred or required based on assigned equipment and Club policy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Paid vacation and holiday time

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties as operational needs require.