Job Title: 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 Assistant Golf Course Superintendent plays a vital leadership role in managing the day-to day agronomic operations of the White Oak golf course. This position supports the Golf Course Superintendent in ensuring the highest standards of playability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. The successful candidate will champion conservation and sustainable land management practices as a top priority, overseeing the care of turf grass, landscaping, and native habitats to deliver world-class playing conditions with minimal environmental impact. This position serves as second-in-command and assumes full responsibility for course maintenance operations in the absence of the Superintendent.
Essential Duties:
o 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.
o Conducts on the spot coaching and performance evaluations to maintain a productive and motivated crew.
o Assists in the planning and execution of turf maintenance programs including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, aeration, and topdressing.
o Monitors turf health, soil moisture, and climate conditions to ensure optimal playability while minimizing resource use.
o Leads the implementation of integrated pest (IPM) and disease management programs following environmentally sound BMPs.
o Assists in programming, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems.
o Develops and executes water conservation strategies and manages irrigation systems efficiently.
o Ensures appearance standards, safe work practices, and accountability throughout the team is a priority.
o Maintains and enhances native habitat areas, promoting ecological balance and sustainable landscape practices.
o Participate in course renovation projects and long-term turf improvement planning with a focus on environmental impact and guest experience.
o Monitors mixing and calibration of sprayers and spreaders to ensure mathematical techniques and applications are accurate and precise.
o Assists with the planning, execution, and coordination of golf events and tournaments.
o Gives presentations, when necessary.
o Demonstrates consistent, professional, and positive attitude that reflects White Oak’s high standards.
o Manages the entire watershed, including the golf courses with Best Management Practices.
o Performs all other duties assigned by the Director-Course Operation and/or Golf Course Superintendent.
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, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
- Turfgrass Management Certificate and work-related golf course experience required.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in a golf course management position.
- Has or is actively pursuing BMP certification.
- GCSAA Membership required.
- Florida Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
- FTGA and FGCSA Membership preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of warm-season turf, irrigation systems, and native area management.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Task Tracker, TrakStar, or similar maintenance platforms.
- Strong leadership, communication, and time management skills.
- Committed to conservation-focused turf practices.
- Mechanical aptitude for equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and routine diagnostics.
- Clear understanding of golf course operations and public golf facility expectations.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
- Must have valid Florida or Georgia driver’s license.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to stand, bend, and twist frequently.
- Ability to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional evening or emergency work.
- Ability to walk, lift, operate machinery, and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to work in an outdoor, fast-paced environment with exposure to varying weather conditions.
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.
