Job Title: Deputy Head Greenkeeper
Reports to: Course Manager
Location: Balmoral Golf Club, Belfast
Hours: Full-time, with weekend and early-morning work as required
Role Overview
Balmoral Golf Club is seeking an experienced, motivated and professional Deputy Head Greenkeeper to work alongside the Course Manager in the day-to-day management and development of the golf course.
The Deputy Head Greenkeeper will play a key role in maintaining and continually improving the presentation, condition and playability of the course. The successful candidate will assist in leading the greenkeeping team, organising daily work programmes and ensuring that high standards are maintained throughout the year.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious greenkeeper who is ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to the future development of Balmoral Golf Club.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely alongside the Course Manager in the daily management and maintenance of the golf course.
- Assist in planning and implementing daily, weekly and seasonal course maintenance programmes.
- Supervise, support and motivate members of the greenkeeping team.
- Allocate and oversee daily duties in the absence of the Course Manager.
- Maintain consistently high standards of course presentation and playing conditions.
- Assist with the maintenance and development of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, rough and practice facilities.
- Support programmes for aeration, scarification, overseeding, topdressing, drainage and turf improvement.
- Assist with irrigation management and the monitoring of turf and soil conditions.
- Safely operate and assist with the maintenance of greenkeeping machinery and equipment.
- Assist with the appropriate application and recording of fertilisers and plant protection products, where qualified to do so.
- Ensure machinery, chemicals and materials are used and stored safely and correctly.
- Ensure that all work is undertaken in accordance with the Club's Health & Safety procedures and relevant legislation.
- Assist with course preparation for competitions, Club events and major golfing occasions.
- Help train and develop junior and trainee members of the greenkeeping team.
- Identify opportunities to improve course presentation, working practices and operational efficiency.
- Take responsibility for the greenkeeping operation when required in the absence of the Course Manager.
- Undertake any other reasonable greenkeeping duties necessary for the effective operation of the golf course.
Essential Requirements
The successful candidate should have:
- A minimum of 3 years' relevant greenkeeping experience, ideally including experience in a senior or supervisory position.
- A recognised qualification in Sports Turf, Turfgrass Management, Greenkeeping or a related discipline.
- Strong practical knowledge of golf course maintenance and turf management.
- Experience operating a range of modern greenkeeping machinery.
- Good leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- The ability to supervise, support and motivate a greenkeeping team.
- A strong understanding of Health & Safety within a golf course environment.
- A flexible approach to working hours, including early mornings and weekends when required.
- A strong work ethic with excellent attention to detail.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of course presentation.
- A full driving licence.
Desirable Requirements
It would be advantageous to have:
- PA1, PA2 and/or PA6 pesticide application qualifications.
- Experience with irrigation systems.
- Knowledge of modern turf management practices and sustainable course management.
- Experience with course renovation, drainage and improvement projects.
- Experience preparing a golf course for major competitions and events.
- Previous responsibility for supervising or developing greenkeeping staff.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Professional, reliable and highly motivated.
- A strong team player who can also provide leadership when required.
- Proactive and willing to take responsibility.
- Passionate about golf course presentation and turf quality.
- Able to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing course and weather conditions.
- Keen to develop professionally and contribute ideas towards the continued improvement of Balmoral Golf Club.
The Opportunity
This is an important position within the Club's greenkeeping structure. The successful candidate will work closely with the Course Manager and will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the continued improvement and future development of the golf course.
Balmoral Golf Club is entering an exciting period of investment and development, making this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious greenkeeping professional to progress their career and play an important role in the future of the Club.
Balmoral Golf Club – Tradition. Excellence. The Future.
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
