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
