What are the responsibilities and job description for the Turfgrass Manager position at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort?
Description
This position reports to the Facilities Manager.
The Turfgrass Manager will provide top-quality, lush, and healthy turf across multiple properties, including Oregon Station and managed residential lawns. The ideal candidate will have expertise in turf care, including soil health, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, aeration, and overseeding. This role involves hands-on maintenance, strategic planning for turf health, and collaboration with the Grounds Manager to ensure aesthetic and functional excellence in our landscapes.
Turf Management & Lawn Care:
• Maintain and enhance turf health and appearance across assigned properties, ensuring lush, disease-free, and well-maintained lawns.
• Monitor and diagnose turf conditions, including soil health, irrigation needs, pest infestations, and disease management.
• Implement seasonal turf care programs, including mowing, aeration, dethatching, overseeding, fertilization, and weed control.
Daily Grounds Maintenance:
• Perform routine maintenance of lawns, trees, shrubs, and both interior and exterior plantings to create visually appealing environments.
• Rake and remove leaves, weeds, and other debris from lawns, walkways, and passageways.
• Remove trash and litter from all maintained properties.
• Maintain drainage ditches, walkways, and parking areas to ensure safety and proper water flow.
• Assist with seasonal responsibilities such as snow/ice removal, mulching, and seasonal plantings.
Irrigation & Soil Management:
• Manage irrigation schedules and systems to optimize turf hydration and efficiency.
• Conduct soil testing and apply amendments to maintain proper nutrient balance and soil structure.
• Ensure proper drainage and erosion control measures are in place.
Pest & Disease Control:
• Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to proactively monitor and control turf diseases, weeds, and pests.
• Apply herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides per industry regulations and best practices.
• Maintain detailed records of all chemical applications, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Equipment & Maintenance Oversight:
• Operate and maintain mowers, aerators, sprayers, spreaders, and other groundskeeping equipment.
• Perform routine servicing and minor repairs on equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of fuel usage, equipment condition, and scheduled servicing.
Collaboration & Reporting:
• Work closely with the Grounds Manager and grounds team to coordinate maintenance schedules and implement best practices.
• Provide recommendations for new products, techniques, or equipment to improve turf health and overall landscape quality.
• Attend staff meetings to discuss groundskeeping priorities, safety updates, and problem resolution strategies.
Requirements
• Golf course turf management experience or relevant professional certification.
• Pesticide and herbicide application certification (preferred; company-sponsored training available).
• Experience with residential and commercial landscape management.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass species, soil science, irrigation systems, and pest/disease management.
• Familiarity with chemical application regulations and willingness to obtain necessary certifications if not currently licensed.
• Experience with irrigation system maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ability to operate and maintain turf care and groundskeeping equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to assess and address grounds and turf health issues proactively.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical labor, including lifting, bending, and extended walking.
• Valid driver’s license required.