Nature Conservation Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Second Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Department: Golf

Reports To: Golf Course Superintendent

FLSA Status: Exempt

Effective Date: October 2025

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.

White Oak Mission: Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.

Job Summary: The Second Assistant Golf Course Superintendent is a hands‑on working supervisory position responsible for assisting in the planning, execution, and supervision of all White Oak golf course maintenance practices. Reporting directly to the Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents, the Second Assistant plays a key role in maintaining championship-level course conditions while ensuring staff performance, equipment care, safety compliance, and facility organization. This position requires operating and maintaining all turf maintenance equipment, managing irrigation systems, performing chemical applications, and upholding naval- hospital grade standards in the Turf Care Center and workstations.

Essential Duties:

• Performs supervisory duties, including determining subordinate work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work, providing training, coaching and mentorship; and addressing performance concerns.
• Gives presentations, when necessary.
• Assists in planning and executing daily golf course maintenance operations.
• Operates all turf maintenance equipment including all mowing equipment, utility vehicles, specialized equipment.
• Leads, trains, and supervises staff during mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, aerification, and setup.
• Applies fertilizer and chemical applications in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintains detailed records of weather conditions, pesticide logs, and maintenance activities.
• Inputs job assignments in tracking platforms (Task Tracker).
• Diagnoses and resolves irrigation issues, including controller errors, faulty valves, leaks, and malfunctioning heads.
• Conducts turf and landscape inspections to identify agronomic concerns and coordinates corrective action.
• Assists with the planning, execution, and coordination of golf events and tournaments.
• Manages the entire watershed, including the golf courses with Best Management Practices.
• Prepares and stages equipment prior to each shift to ensure maintenance teams can start work efficiently.
• Performs daily inspection of all maintenance equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensures all machines are properly cleaned, lubricated, fueled, and stored following manufacturer guidelines.
• Operates all equipment confidently and safely; trains team members to do the same.
• Monitors usage and condition of tools and machinery; promptly reports mechanical issues to the Equipment Manager.
• Maintains clean and organized storage areas for hand tools, accessories, and replacement parts.
• Supports preventive maintenance planning to include seasonal equipment transitions, and service logging in coordination with Equipment Manager.
• Calibrates sprayers and spreaders using accurate mathematical techniques to ensure precise applications.
• Keeps utility carts clean, fueled, and serviced at all times.
• Maintains all facilities and workstations to naval- or hospital-grade cleanliness and organization.
• Cleans and disinfects doors, walls, workbenches, and shared workspaces.
• Keeps chemical and material storage areas labeled, organized, and compliant with regulations.
• Secures buildings, lockable zones, and chemical storage.
• Performs routine walkthroughs to identify and address safety, cleanliness, or functionality issues.
• Holds team members accountable for workstation upkeep and safety compliance.
• Enforces staff uniform and grooming standards in alignment with White Oak policy.
• Leads by example through punctuality, preparedness, and course presentation awareness.
• Works to instill a culture of responsibility and pride in equipment care among all team members.
• Conducts spot checks and provides real-time coaching or correction, as needed.
• Reinforces a culture of teamwork, pride, and continuous improvement.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and Work Experience Requirements:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ golf course maintenance or turfgrass management experience.
• Turfgrass Management Certificate and work-related golf course experience will be considered.
• Has or is actively pursuing BMP (Best Management Practices) Certification.
• Florida Pesticide Applicator License required within 90 days of hire.
• GCSAA Membership, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of agronomy, turfgrass diseases, irrigation, and equipment operation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and turf maintenance platforms (e.g. Task Tracker) and TrakStar performance software.
• Strong mathematical and mechanical aptitude for calibration, diagnostics, and technical troubleshooting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and time management skills.

Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:

• Must have valid Florida or Georgia Drivers’ License.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to work outdoors, in a fast-paced work environment, with exposure to all types of varying weather conditions.
• Early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional evening or emergency work required.
• Physical labor includes walking, lifting, operating machinery, and standing for extended periods.

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.