Head Greenkeeper
Colne Valley Golf Club, Earls Colne, near Colchester
Colne Valley Golf Club is a family-run club founded in 1991, set within 155 acres of parkland beside the River Colne. Based in Earls Colne, near Colchester, the club has around 450 active members, a strong society and green-fee customer base, and a growing reputation for hosting county and regional events, including Essex Golf County fixtures and this year’s Race to Woodhall Spa South East qualifier.
We are looking for an experienced, motivated Head Greenkeeper to play a key role in maintaining and improving our course to a high standard. The successful candidate will help enhance the quality, presentation, and long-term condition of our parkland course, while delivering an excellent golfing experience for members, visitors, and societies.
In 2021, the club invested in new greenkeeping facilities, including a spacious workshop with grinding equipment, a lift, and additional resources to support our full-time mechanic. Our machinery fleet includes a range of manufacturers, chosen to suit the course’s needs rather than a specific brand preference.
We are seeking someone with at least five years’ greenkeeping experience in a deputy or senior supervisory role. Applicants should ideally have experience with machinery maintenance and irrigation systems, along with relevant spraying and chainsaw certificates.
The Role
As Head Greenkeeper, you will be responsible for the day-to-day presentation, maintenance, and long-term development of the golf course and practice facilities. Reporting directly to the directors, you will maintain high course standards while balancing environmental sustainability, efficient resource use, and modern turf management practices.
Key Responsibilities
· Course preparation: Manage daily preparation and long-term maintenance to provide consistently high-quality playing conditions.
· Team leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the greenkeeping team, promoting pride, attention to detail, and safe working practices.
· Agronomy and planning: Deliver effective agronomic programmes, including aeration, nutrition, overseeding, and water management for our parkland course.
· Budget management: Manage and work within annual course maintenance and machinery budgets.
· Project management: Oversee key course improvement projects, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
· Health and safety compliance: Ensure full compliance with health and safety, COSHH, and environmental regulations.
Essential Criteria
· Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management, or an equivalent qualification, is essential.
· Certifications: Valid PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates, plus relevant chainsaw qualifications.
· Experience: Proven experience as a Head Greenkeeper, Course Manager, or strong Deputy ready to step up.
· Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of modern turf machinery, sand-based greens, and automated irrigation systems.
· Leadership: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage a team effectively and provide regular, professional updates to club management.
Benefits
· Competitive salary, dependent on experience
· Paid BIGGA membership
· Club pension scheme
· Staff uniform
· Golf playing privileges
· Staff meals twice a week and discounted food in the clubhouse
· Club Mobile phone
Desirable Criteria
· Experience of course construction, including tees, bunkers, drainage, pathways, and irrigation
· A committed golfer with a strong understanding of course playability and presentation
· Active BIGGA CPD
· Full driving licence
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
· Your CV
· A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and expected starting salary range
Please send your application to Tom Smith at [email protected].
Application deadline: 27 September 2026
Anticipated start date: January 2027
Pay: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have spraying certificates, plus relevant chainsaw qualifications
- Do you have NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management, or an equivalent
- How Many Years working as a greenkeeper do you have?
Work Location: In person
