Join us at Illini Country Club, a prestigious, family-oriented, and welcoming community that provides an exceptional environment for members and guests. Our commitment to outstanding service and excellence creates an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.

Established in 1906, Illini Country Club maintains a reputation as the premier golf and country club in central Illinois. The par-71 golf course is host to an annual U.S. Open Qualifier and is enjoyed by an active golfing membership that is dedicated to investing in the integrity of the Club. Within the past four years, ICC has completed several course improvement projects, including bunker revitalization, tee complex renovations, and a complete irrigation system installation. Ongoing projects include additional tee complex renovations, tree maintenance/removal program, landscape enhancements, and drainage installation. Illini Country Club hires dynamic individuals who strive for excellence in service, course conditioning, and career development.

We are seeking an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Illini Country Club to fill a leadership role which requires the individual to make important decisions regarding the daily operation and long-term goals of the golf course maintenance department. Areas of focus include turfgrass/plant material maintenance programs, property/asset management, personnel management, financial management, scheduling/maintenance of the irrigation system, pesticide applications, and compliance with regulatory issues.

Our preferred candidate profile and competencies are listed below; however, consideration will be given to any individual who desires to become a Golf Course Superintendent, is driven to learn and succeed, and demonstrates the ability to motivate and lead others. Emphasis will be placed on career development, maintaining a positive workplace culture, and work-life balance for the entire team.

The key responsibilities of an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent on our team are to:

• Assist with all phases of Golf Maintenance and Agronomic operations, cost control, and personnel management.
• Coordinate with the Director of Agronomy, Golf Course Superintendent, Golf Professional, and Illini Country Club leadership on any issues related to golf course maintenance.
• Assist in directing, and participate in, the construction and maintenance of the grounds, including turf, ornamental plants, trees, and wetlands on the property grounds.
• Help ensure that the grounds department is run in a fiscally responsible and professional manner.
• Assist in hiring, training, and coaching the grounds team.
• Help set operational and service standards.
• Assist in conducting employee performance evaluations and administering disciplinary action.
• Provide technical, operational and safety training for employees to ensure that staff is working within OSHA, club safety, state and federal guidelines for safe working conditions.
• Supervise and participate in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the Club’s grounds in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist in the supervision and control of all maintenance expenses associated with golf maintenance operations, including payroll, supplies, chemicals and fertilizers.
• Assist in the development of annual operating budget and plans for maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Assist with snow removal and winter maintenance activities when necessary.

A successful candidate will be able to:

• Work variable hours including overtime, weekends, and holidays on a rotational basis.

• Work independently and be a self-starting problem solver.

• Work outside for long periods of time and in all kinds of weather, performing tasks that require physical strength and endurance.

• Meet physical demands including standing, walking, reaching, using hands/fingers, bending, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling on uneven terrain for extended periods of time.

• Complete physical work that varies from medium (exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects) to very heavy (exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects).

• Meet specific vision abilities required by this job including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Tolerate conditions of work environment including exposure to operating machinery, vibration, amplified sound, natural botanical allergens, varying weather conditions, particulate matter, electrical components, and agronomic chemicals.

• Present a valid driver’s license.

• Obtain a pesticide application license within sixty days of employment.

Our preferred education and experience background includes:

• Two years’ experience in golf course maintenance leadership.
• Two-year or four-year degree or certificate in turf management (or related field, such as agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science).

Our ideal candidate will possess the following golf course knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of management and maintenance of bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways.
• Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work.
• Knowledge of safe use, mixing and application of chemicals and commercial products.
• Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and agency rules that apply to the job (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
• Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, and material requirements related to golf course maintenance and repair assignments
• Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation and drainage patterns, and to construct tees and/or greens

A successful candidate will possess the following general skills:

• Writing—Ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Basic computer skills—Ability to use basic computer hardware and software (e.g., personal computers, word processing software, internet browsers, etc.); Microsoft Office suite proficiency preferred.
• Reading comprehension—Ability to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Oral comprehension—Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Analytical/critical thinking—Ability to gather and organize information using a logical and systematic process; recognize patterns and relationships in complex data; examine data to identify implications, problems and draw appropriate conclusions; generate alternative solutions to problems; evaluate strengths, weaknesses and consequences of alternative solutions and approaches to solving problems.
• Number facility—Ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• Originality—Ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about products, services or situations, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to major changes in work tasks or the work environment.

A successful candidate will possess the following management competencies:

• Aligning performance for success—Skilled at focusing and guiding others in accomplishing work objectives.

• Building a successful team—Skilled at building a cohesive team and facilitating goal accomplishment; ability to understand principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training and development.

• Building trust—Ability to interact with others in an honest, fair and respectful way, giving others confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization.

• Communication—Skilled at clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media, engaging the audience and helping them understand and retain the message.

• Customer focus—Ability to develop an understanding of member expectations and address issues within reasonable control.

• High works standards—Ability to set high standards of performance for self and others and to assume responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks.

• Planning and organizing—skilled at establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure work is completed efficiently.

• Problem solving / decision making—Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities, using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing solutions.

We offer:

• A competitive hourly wage.
• Paid vacation time.
• Group medical, dental, vision, life and other insurance coverages.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Uniforms.
• GCSAA national and local chapter dues.
• A daily employee meal in season.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• A supportive and engaging work environment.

This is an exempt position and will be paid on a salaried basis.

Join our team and take pride in creating an inviting and well-maintained environment at our country club,

contributing to a setting that delights our members and enhances their enjoyment all season long! If you enjoy working outdoors, guiding and teaching others, and being part of a team that strives for excellence, this could be the job for you! We invite you to apply today to join our club community.