Golf Course Specialist I

Performs skilled and semi-supervisory work assisting with the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the municipal golf course, grounds, turf areas, irrigation systems, drainage systems, cart paths, equipment, and related facilities; does related work as required. This is an entry level position. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Golf Course Superintendent and/or Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. The Golf Course Specialist is responsible for performing specialized landscape and turf maintenance duties to ensure pristine playing conditions across the greens, fairways, and hazards and for maintaining a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for golf course, practice areas and country club grounds. The employee communicates equipment needs, repair priorities, safety concerns, budget impacts, and operational issues to the Golf Course Superintendent and/or Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. Work is performed outdoors and may require exposure to noise, fumes, grease, oils, fuels, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, sharp tools, heavy equipment, traffic hazards, uneven terrain, and varying weather conditions. Work requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing, grasping, fingering, repetitive motions, lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to detect equipment sounds; visual acuity is required for inspection of equipment, reading gauges and manuals, diagnosing defects, operating tools and equipment, preparing records, and observing general surroundings and activities. Mows and maintains precision grass levels on greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. Applies specialized pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers under proper safety regulations and supervisor direction. Rakes, trims, and edges sand traps, native areas, and cart paths. Hand-waters dry turf areas and assists in repairing sprinkler systems and lines. Safely operates heavy and light turf equipment, ranging from precision walk-behind mowers, triplex mowers, large area reel and rotary style mowers, blowers, sprayers, and hand held- tools and equipment. Performs other duties as directed by the Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. Performs related tasks as required. Thorough working knowledge of light and heavy golf course maintenance equipment, turf equipment, vehicles, small engines, automotive apparatuses, and related mechanical systems. Thorough understanding of turfgrass science, soil conditions, and golf course landscaping. Mowing, aerating, fertilizing, and pruning turf, trees, and shrubs to maintain high-quality playing conditions. Diagnosing turf diseases, insects, and weeds; preparing and applying herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers in compliance with regulations. Working knowledge of reel and rotary mower maintenance, cutting unit adjustment, blade sharpening, reel grinding, bed knife adjustment, and mowing equipment performance standards. Maintaining, operating, and repairing automated irrigation systems, pumps, and drainage infrastructure. Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions while repairing or servicing equipment in the field. Ability to use computers, maintenance software, spreadsheets, email, mobile devices, and other technology as required by the position. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, vendors, contractors, and the general public. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain equipment and shop operations to a high standard.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and moderate experience in the maintenance and repair of turf equipment, golf course maintenance equipment. Experience maintaining golf course turf equipment is preferred. Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina. May be required to obtain pesticide licenses, or additional certifications and training as determined by the City. Must be available to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, special events, tournaments, inclement weather events, and other schedules necessary to support golf course operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Monroe (NC)