Director of Agronomy
World Golf Village – St. Augustine, Florida
Posted: April 3, 2025
Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Type: Full-Time
Categories: Director of Agronomy, Golf Course Superintendent
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Compensation & Benefits:
World Golf Village offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, paid time off, continued education support, and golfing privileges. Relocation assistance is available.
About World Golf Village
Nestled in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, World Golf Village is a premier golf destination featuring 36 holes of championship golf: the King & Bear—the only course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus—and the Slammer & Squire, designed by Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen with Bobby Weed. Both courses are rich in tradition and offer an unmatched blend of beauty, challenge, and playability.
The King & Bear recently completed a full greens renovation in 2024, enhancing course conditions and playability. A similar renovation is scheduled for the Slammer & Squire greens in 2026, reinforcing the Village’s commitment to excellence.
By the Numbers:
- 36 holes across two courses, located 5 miles apart
- Semi-private with 325 memberships
- 80,000 annual rounds (25,000 member rounds / 55,000 public rounds)
- Bermuda grass throughout greens and fairways
- Toro advanced irrigation systems
- 25–30 full-time and seasonal maintenance staff
- $2.5M+ golf course maintenance operating budget
Position Overview
World Golf Village is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Director of Agronomy to lead and elevate the agronomic operations of its renowned 36-hole property. Reporting directly to the General Manager/COO, this individual will be responsible for maintaining world-class playing conditions and overseeing all aspects of turf and landscape management across both courses.
The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and a passion for excellence to ensure that the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses continue to meet the highest standards expected from a destination steeped in golf tradition.
Initial Priorities
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of both courses, equipment, and staff within the first 60 days and present a detailed maintenance and improvement strategy.
- Optimize Bermuda grass health and consistency through expert irrigation, pest control, and fertilization practices—with special attention to the newly renovated King & Bear greens.
- Define clear team roles, implement training protocols, and establish performance benchmarks to promote operational efficiency and staff morale.
- Partner with executive leadership to align agronomic plans with club goals, member expectations, and future renovations—especially the upcoming 2026 greens renovation at Slammer & Squire.
Key Responsibilities
Golf Course Maintenance:
- Direct all day-to-day maintenance activities across 36 holes, including greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, and grounds.
- Implement comprehensive turf management programs suited for Florida’s climate and Bermuda grass.
- Oversee Toro irrigation systems, conduct regular inspections, and apply fertilizers and pesticides to maintain ideal turf health.
- Lead capital projects, including renovations and emergency repairs, while minimizing impact on play.
Team Leadership:
- Manage, recruit, and develop a team of 25–30 full-time and seasonal employees.
- Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and professional growth through continuous training and mentoring.
Budget & Operations:
- Develop and manage an annual maintenance budget exceeding $2.5 million.
- Create long-term capital plans and track all expenditures, inventory, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain detailed operational records, including equipment maintenance and chemical usage.
Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure staff adhere to safety protocols and environmental regulations.
- Maintain updated MSDS documentation and enforce all pesticide handling requirements.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Provide regular updates to the GM/COO on course conditions and operational plans.
- Communicate effectively with members, guests, and golf professionals to ensure alignment with club programming and tournaments.
- Engage with members to enhance transparency and solicit valuable feedback.
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solution-driven approach.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to premier course conditions.
- Excellent communicator and relationship-builder with staff and members alike.
- Financially savvy with a history of successful budget management.
- Advocates for sustainability and stays current on agronomic innovation.
- Possesses a deep understanding of high-level golf course operations.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership as a Director of Agronomy or Golf Course Superintendent at a top-tier facility.
- Expertise in Bermuda grass management, particularly in warm climates.
- Strong history of team development and staff retention.
- Proficiency in Toro irrigation systems and modern equipment.
- Budgeting and capital planning experience.
- Passionate about golf and member service.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, or related field (associate degree considered with equivalent experience).
- Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) preferred.
- Valid Florida Pesticide Applicator License and driver’s license required.
