Job Summary:
The Director of Agronomy is the steward of the club’s most valuable asset- the golf course. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the members’ daily experience by delivering pristine playing conditions that reflect the Club’s commitment to excellence. This hands-on leader drives agronomic performance, team development, and operational efficiency while collaborating closely with Club leadership to continuously elevate the quality, playability, and beauty of the golf course.

This position answers directly to the General Manager/COO and also collaborates with the Greens and Grounds Chairperson and Committee.

Milburn Country Club:

Milburn Country Club is a premier private club offering first-class amenities and a welcoming environment for its members. Designed by William Langford and opened in 1917, the golf course at Milburn has consistently been ranked in the top 10 courses in the State. Milburn Country Club has served as the venue for numerous prominent professional and amateur competitions throughout its history, including the PGA Tour Kansas City Open in the 1950s, several Kansas and Missouri State Amateur Championships, The Watson Challenge, and various local and sectional USGA Championship Qualifiers. The club has consistently invested in the golf course and golf course operations including capital improvements projects in the past decade that include an HDPE, Rainbird IC irrigation system, Better Billy Bunker rebuild, and a new, state-of-the-art Turf Care facility that opened in spring 2022. With commitment to excellence, the club boasts state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich tradition of outstanding service. Milburn has over 740 families that call Milburn home and over 150 families on the waitlist to join as a golf member. The Club is organized as a 501(c)(7) and is a not-for-profit corporation.

Annual Rounds: 28,000
Staffing: 14 full-time, 12-14 seasonal
Future Projects: Significant golf course renovation project currently in finale planning stages with member approval in May 2026 and expected start date of 2027 or 2028

Key Responsibilities:

The Director of Agronomy is a member of the Management Team and works closely with all Club department leaders to ensure the achievement of the Club’s goals and values.

Agronomic & Course Maintenance

Plan and execute all turfgrass maintenance programs including mowing, fertilization, aerification, topdressing, and pest control
Monitor turf health and implement proactive agronomic practices
Ensure optimal playing conditions year-round
Develop seasonal agronomic plans and chemical application schedules
Maintain greens speed, course setup, and daily conditioning standards
Oversee operation and maintenance of the irrigation system
Ensure efficient drainage and stormwater management
Maintain all landscaped areas, trees, bunkers, practice facilities, and Club grounds
Oversee bunker maintenance and sand management programs
Manage tree care, pruning, and long-term landscaping plans

Staff Leadership & Development

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise maintenance staff
Foster a positive, safety-focused work environment
Conduct performance evaluations and ongoing training
Develop Assistant Superintendents for career progression

Budgeting & Financial Management

Prepare and manage the annual operating budget (approx. $2M annual budget)
Assist in development of capital budgets and long-range plans ($500,000 annual capital expenditures).
Monitor expenses related to labor, chemicals, seed, sand, and equipment
Identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities

Equipment & Asset Management

Oversee maintenance and repair of all golf course equipment
Work closely with Equipment Manager on preventive maintenance
Plan equipment replacement schedules and capital needs

Capital Projects & Course Improvements

Lead and execute golf course improvement projects
Collaborate with golf course architects and contractors
Oversee irrigation upgrades, bunker renovations, tee expansions, etc.
Provide input on master planning and long-term course strategy

Member & Leadership Engagement

Build trust and rapport with members through professionalism, transparency, visibility, and timely responsiveness.
Communicate effectively and proactively with the General Manager/COO, Green Committee, and internal department leaders to ensure alignment on course conditions, priorities, and projects.
Attend Green Committee and Board meetings as requested
Partner with Golf Professional staff on playability and setup
Support Club events and tournaments

Degree or Certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field
Minimum 10+ years golf course maintenance experience
Prior Superintendent or high-end Assistant Superintendent experience required
Advanced knowledge of turfgrass science and pest management
Experience managing irrigation systems and water conservation programs
State Pesticide License required or obtained within 90 days of employment
Prior Construction/Renovation experience and Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) a plus

Milburn Country Club

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Director of Agronomy