Job Description: Head Greenkeeper / Greenkeeper
Spanish Point Golf Club, County Clare
Position: Head Greenkeeper / Greenkeeper (depending on experience)
Location: Spanish Point Golf Club, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Spanish Point Golf Club
Spanish Point Golf Club is a renowned 9 hole links golf course situated on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare. The Club is committed to providing members and visitors with an outstanding golfing experience through the maintenance and continuous improvement of course playing conditions, environmental stewardship and professional course presentation.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Head Greenkeeper / Greenkeeper to join our team. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the course to high standards and where appointed as Head Greenkeeper, will lead and manage the greenkeeping team.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance, preparation and presentation of all playing surfaces, course infrastructure and landscaped areas. The role requires practical expertise in turf management, operation of specialist machinery, application of fertilisers and plant protection products and a commitment to health, safety and environmental best practices.
The Head Greenkeeper role will additionally include staff supervision, budgeting, planning of agronomic programmes, contractor management and reporting to the Chair of the Course Committee.
Key Responsibilities
Course Maintenance
- Maintain greens, tees, fairways, rough, practice areas, bunkers and pathways to the highest standards.
- Carry out mowing, aeration, verti-cutting, top dressing, overseeding, irrigation and drainage activities.
- Monitor turf health and implement appropriate agronomic programmes.
- Prepare the course for daily play and competitions.
- Repair divots, worn turf areas, bunkers, drainage systems and other course features.
Machinery Operations
- Safely operate and maintain all course maintenance equipment, including:
- Ride-on and pedestrian mowers
- Tractors
- Sprayers
- Top dressers
- Aeration equipment
- Utility vehicles
- Strimmers
- Carry out routine maintenance and repairs on machinery.
- Maintain accurate service and maintenance records.
Fertiliser and Plant Protection Programmes
- Implement fertiliser applications in accordance with annual turf management plans.
- Apply pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and other plant protection products where authorised and necessary.
- Maintain accurate application records in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Ensure proper storage, handling, transportation and disposal of chemicals.
- Monitor turf diseases, weeds and pest activity and recommend appropriate treatments.
Irrigation Management
- Monitor and maintain irrigation systems.
- Carry out repairs and adjustments to maximise water efficiency.
- Manage watering programmes in accordance with weather and turf conditions.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management
- Comply with all Health & Safety legislation and Club policies.
- Undertake risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Ensure safe use, storage and handling of fuels, fertilisers and chemicals.
- Promote sustainable turf management and environmental best practice.
- Assist with environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
Additional Head Greenkeeper Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and motivate greenkeeping staff.
- Prepare work schedules and allocate daily tasks.
- Develop annual maintenance and agronomic programmes.
- Manage budgets for machinery, fertilisers, chemicals and course improvements.
- Liaise with the Course Committee, Club Manager, members and external contractors.
- Prepare reports on course conditions, projects and resource requirements.
Essential Qualifications and Certifications
For Head Greenkeeper
- Diploma, Higher Certificate or Degree in Sports Turf Management, Horticulture, Greenkeeping or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' greenkeeping experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
For Greenkeeper
- Relevant qualification in Greenkeeping, Sports Turf, Horticulture or equivalent practical experience.
Mandatory Certifications
- Valid PA1 and PA6 Plant Protection Products (Pesticide Application) Certification or equivalent recognised Irish qualification.
- Safe Pass certification.
- Full clean driving licence.
- First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Desirable Certifications
- Manual handling certification.
- Abrasive wheel certification.
- Sprayer calibration training.
- Irrigation system training.
- Health & Safety training.
- Leadership and management qualifications (for Head Greenkeeper applicants).
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of turfgrass management practices.
- Experience with fertiliser programmes and nutrient management.
- Knowledge of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and integrated pest management principles.
- Experience operating and maintaining golf course machinery.
- Understanding of drainage and irrigation systems.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements relevant to golf course maintenance.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to course presentation.
Desirable
- Experience working on a links golf course.
- Experience managing course improvement projects.
- Budget management experience.
- Knowledge of sustainable golf course management practices.
- Experience preparing for major competitions and events.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong work ethic and reliability.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Leadership and people management skills (Head Greenkeeper role).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Problem-solving ability and initiative.
- Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays and early mornings as required.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Working Hours
- Full-time position.
- Flexibility required, including early mornings, weekends and public holidays to support course operations and competitions.
Remuneration
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Pension contribution (where applicable).
- Continuing professional development and training opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A current CV
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience
- Details of qualifications and certifications
- Contact details for two professional references
- Email details to [email protected]
Spanish Point Golf Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates who are passionate about delivering exceptional golf course conditions and member experiences.
Work Location: In person
