GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT – ARCOLA COUNTRY CLUB

Arcola Country Club located in Paramus, New Jersey is seeking a Golf Course Superintendent to oversee the maintenance, conditioning, and long-term development of its championship golf course and grounds. Currently ranked No. 16 in New Jersey by Golf Digest, Arcola is known for its challenging greens and exceptional course conditions.

Reporting to the Director of Club Operations (DoCO), the Superintendent will lead an experienced grounds team, maintain high agronomic standards, and progressively assume responsibility for daily operations, budgeting, and long-range planning. This is a full-time, year-round opportunity for a hands-on, detail-oriented leader who embraces the Club’s “Whatever It Takes” philosophy.

Club Highlights

  • Total annual rounds: Approximately 17,000
  • Total staff: Approximately 25 during the season, including mechanics; 5 full-time employees during the off-season
  • Typical work schedule:
    • In-season hours generally run 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with weekend watering responsibilities. 
    • Shoulder-season hours are generally 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Year-round duties include snow removal.
  • Turf types:
    • Greens are approximately 90% Poa annua and 10% older bentgrass. 
    • Fairways are approximately 75% older bentgrass and 25% Poa annua. 
    • Roughs are a mix, with Kentucky bluegrass surrounds.
  • Future projects: Drainage improvements, a new mechanics shop, and an indoor practice building.
  • Irrigation system: Rain Bird Cirrus Pro
  • Equipment: Primarily Toro, owned and maintained through an equipment replacement program.
  • Recent improvements: Golf course renovation with Andy Staples and LaBar Golf, plus a new Rain Bird irrigation system.
  • Upcoming events:
    • NJPGA Sectional Championship (2027)
    • MGA Ike (2028)
    • NJPGA State Open (2029)
    • USGA Four-Ball co-host (2030).

SUCCESS TRAITS OF INDIVIDUAL:

  • Attention to detail and pride in course conditioning.
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to lead by example.
  • Clear, professional communication with grounds and Club staff.
  • Organized, forward-thinking approach to daily operations and long-term planning.
  • Proactive problem-solving and a positive, can-do attitude.
  • Ability to build trust, develop staff, and work collaboratively with an experienced team.
  • Flexibility to meet the demands of a year-round operation, including early mornings, weekends, and snow removal.

INITIAL PRIORITIES OF POSITION:

  • Learn the nuances of the property, including course conditions, infrastructure, and areas for improvement.
  • Understand existing maintenance practices, agronomic programs, and daily operational procedures.
  • Build strong working relationships with the grounds team and assess staff strengths and development needs.
  • Become proficient with the irrigation system and Greenkeeper App for recordkeeping, labor tracking, and staff management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND APTITUDE:

  • Oversee daily maintenance and conditioning of the golf course, practice facilities, and surrounding grounds.
  • Develop and implement agronomic programs covering fertility, irrigation, mowing, spraying, cultivation, aerification, topdressing, and pest management.
  • Lead, schedule, train, and develop grounds staff while coordinating daily assignments and tracking labor.
  • Monitor turf health, weather, soil conditions, and course performance to maintain exceptional playing conditions.
  • Participate in budgeting, purchasing, equipment replacement, and long-term course improvement planning as responsibilities expand.
  • Coordinate daily activities with Golf Operations and communicate effectively with the DoCO, Grounds Committee, and other Club stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate records and use approved platforms, including Greenkeeper App, ForeTees, email, and other Club communication channels.
  • Perform hands-on duties, including spraying and hand-watering, as needed.
  • Support year-round property maintenance, including snow removal and weekend watering.
  • Maintain professional attire and uphold the Club’s “Whatever It Takes” service philosophy.
  • Obtain a New Jersey Pesticide Applicator License and New Jersey Fertilizer Applicator Certification during the first year of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 4–7 years of golf course maintenance experience.
  • Certificate or associate degree in turfgrass management, agronomy, or a related field preferred
  • Knowledge of golf course agronomy, irrigation, spraying, and turfgrass management.
  • Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and seasonal on-call schedules.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

  • Salary: $105,000 – $120,000, based on experience.
  • Bonus opportunity.
  • On-site housing or off-site housing allowance.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with 3% Club match.
  • Paid vacation: Two weeks in year one and three weeks in year two.
  • Five sick days in year one.
  • Short-term disability.
  • Continuing education and local and national professional dues.
  • Uniforms and approved Arcola-branded apparel allowance.
  • Free food, golfing privileges, and cell phone allowance.

ABOUT US:

Arcola Country Club is a golf-focused private club in Paramus, New Jersey, with approximately 300 members, including around 100 single-digit handicappers. The Club prioritizes championship-level playing conditions and recently completed a comprehensive golf course renovation and irrigation system installation.

The grounds team includes experienced, long-tenured employees, providing an opportunity for the Superintendent to build on established knowledge while developing their own leadership and management skills. Arcola supports professional growth and values employees who take initiative, work collaboratively, and share its “Whatever It Takes” approach to maintaining an exceptional golf experience.

APPLY HERE