Johannesburg: Head Green Keeper – Course Superintendent posted by BGA Recruitment

Job title

Head Greenkeeper

Location

Kyalami Country Club, Midrand / Johannesburg, Gauteng

Reporting to

General Manager; works closely with the Operations Manager and Golf Director

Role purpose

Maintain and enhance the playing surfaces, landscapes, and overall presentation of Kyalami Country Club to deliver a safe, consistent and attractive experience for members, guests and tournament play. Ensure turf health, irrigation efficiency, and course presentation meet the clubs standards while working sustainably and safely.

Key responsibilities

• Turf care and maintenance: Mow greens, tees, fairways and roughs to specified heights; perform edging, trimming and turf repairs.
• Irrigation and water management: Operate and monitor irrigation systems; carry out hand-watering and adjust schedules to conserve water and protect turf health.
• Course preparation: Prepare tees, greens and bunkers for daily play and special events; mark hazards and set out course signage as required.
• Pest, disease and weed control: Monitor turf for pests, diseases and weeds; apply treatments safely and in line with club protocols and local regulations.
• Soil and turf improvement: Aeration, topdressing, overseeding and fertiliser application according to the maintenance programme.
• Equipment operation and maintenance: Safely operate mowers, tractors, sprayers and other machinery; perform routine checks, cleaning and basic servicing; report faults promptly.
• Grounds and landscape tasks: Maintain bunkers, pathways, hedges, flowerbeds and trees to enhance the clubs appearance.
• Health, safety and environmental compliance: Follow safe handling procedures for chemicals and fuels; maintain PPE; adhere to environmental best practice (waste disposal, water use).
• Teamwork and communication: Work as part of the greenkeeping team; communicate with clubhouse staff, pro shop and event coordinators about course conditions and requirements.
• Record keeping: Maintain logs for pesticide/fertiliser applications, irrigation adjustments and equipment maintenance.

Skills and competencies

• Practical turf management skills with attention to detail and pride in presentation.
• Mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining grounds equipment.
• Problem-solving to identify turf issues and take appropriate corrective action.
• Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor manual work in all weather.
• Good communication and ability to follow instructions and work within a team.
• Time management and reliability to meet early starts and scheduled tasks.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum: Matric or equivalent / Recognised Prior Learning
• Preferred: Certificate or diploma in Turf Management, Horticulture, Agronomy or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years greenkeeping or groundskeeping experience preferred; experience on golf courses or country clubs an advantage.
• Licences: Valid drivers licence preferred.
• Chemical handling: Experience with safe pesticide/fertiliser application and relevant certification where applicable.

Working conditions and benefits

• Hours: Early starts, weekend and public-holiday work as required by course schedule and events.
• Environment: Outdoor work; exposure to sun, rain and seasonal conditions.
• Benefits: Competitive salary (commensurate with experience), staff meals on duty, training and development opportunities, Housing, PPE provided, Career study.

Closing date Applications accepted until the position is filled.