Kohanaiki is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Golf Course Superintendent to join its golf course maintenance leadership team. Reporting directly to the Golf Course Superintendent and working closely with the Director of Golf Course Maintenance & Grounds, this individual will play an important role in maintaining championship-quality playing conditions while developing the leadership skills necessary for long-term advancement in the profession.
This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging superintendent to gain experience at a premier private golf facility with a year-round operation, a strong commitment to professional development, and a maintenance team of 35 full-time employees. The ideal candidate will bring a strong work ethic, high golf IQ, exceptional attention to detail, and a genuine desire to learn, lead, and grow.
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
- Maintenance Budget: $4.4 million operating budget, including capital expenditures
- Total Annual Rounds: Approximately 25,000
- Total Staff: 35 full-time employees
- Typical Work Schedule: Year-round operation; Monday-Friday, 5:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with a rotating weekend schedule approximately every third weekend
- Turf Types: SeaDwarf seashore paspalum wall-to-wall
- Future Projects: Anticipated renovation of greens, tees, and bunkers within the next three years
- Recent Projects: Renovation of five fairways totaling approximately 10 acres and construction of a five-acre onsite sod farm
- Irrigation System: Toro Lynx VP Controllers
- Equipment: Leased fleet utilizing Toro, John Deere, and FireFly Robotics
SUCCESS TRAITS OF THE INDIVIDUALThe successful candidate will:
- Have experience at a high-end golf facility and understand what championship-quality conditions look and feel like.
- Possess an exceptional eye for detail and take pride in consistently delivering firm, fast, and highly playable conditions.
- Demonstrate a strong golf IQ and the technical knowledge necessary to make sound day-to-day agronomic decisions.
- Bring a positive, can-do attitude and strong work ethic to the operation.
- Lead with humility and a servant-leadership mindset.
- Be comfortable working alongside the team and leading by example.
- Demonstrate strong communication, accountability, and organizational skills.
- Be committed to continuous learning and professional development.
- Have a clear desire to advance into a Golf Course Superintendent role and take on increasing responsibility.
INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE POSITIONThe successful candidate's initial focus will be on learning the unique aspects of Kohanaiki's operation and becoming fully immersed in the property's standards and expectations. This will include:
- Developing a thorough understanding of the property, maintenance practices, and daily workflow.
- Learning the irrigation system, water management practices, and unique agronomic considerations of the property.
- Building strong working relationships with the golf course maintenance team and broader management group.
- Gaining hands-on experience across mowing, course setup, irrigation, cultural practices, equipment operation, and other daily maintenance activities.
- Learning Kohanaiki's standards for course presentation and developing the confidence to consistently uphold them.
- Working alongside the Golf Course Superintendent during weekend operations before progressing toward independent weekend leadership.
Within the first several months, the successful candidate should develop the knowledge, confidence, and leadership ability to independently oversee weekend operations with minimal supervision. Success will be measured not only by technical proficiency, but by the candidate's ability to earn the trust and respect of the team while demonstrating sound judgment, accountability, and leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND APTITUDE- Assist the Golf Course Superintendent with planning, coordinating, and supervising daily golf course maintenance operations.
- Assign, monitor, and follow up on crew work to ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to established quality standards.
- Train, coach, and support team members in equipment operation, irrigation practices, spray applications, safety procedures, and daily maintenance standards.
- Prepare and adjust daily work schedules based on staffing, changing priorities, special projects, course conditions, and member needs.
- Communicate course conditions, water requirements, maintenance priorities, and operational needs with the Superintendent, Irrigation Manager, Equipment Manager, Golf Shop, and maintenance team.
- Assist with fertilizer, chemical, irrigation, and equipment-related planning, including proper calibration and application practices.
- Monitor irrigation systems, pumps, drainage, equipment, and course infrastructure and communicate issues promptly.
- Support purchasing, inventory control, expense tracking, payroll awareness, and budget management as directed.
- Help maintain consistently high-quality playing conditions across the property.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and accountable team environment.
- Support Kohanaiki's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible use of products and resources.
- Assume appropriate responsibilities of the Golf Course Superintendent when needed.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to continually expand technical and leadership capabilities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- 4-7+ years of golf course maintenance experience, preferably at a high-end or premier private golf facility.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience and training will be considered.
- Working knowledge of golf course maintenance practices, irrigation, equipment operation, fertility, chemical applications, and crew supervision.
- Experience working with or around sophisticated irrigation systems and water management practices.
- Strong understanding of golf course setup and the expectations associated with championship-quality conditions.
- Demonstrated progression in responsibility and leadership throughout one's career.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions, prioritize tasks, and remain composed in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- Hawaii State Restricted Use Pesticide License required or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors year-round, including weekends and holidays as part of a rotating management schedule.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS- Salary: $80,000-$90,000, depending on experience
- Bonus opportunity
- Relocation expense package
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) with 4% employer match after one year of service
- PTO
- 10 paid holidays, or a banked PTO day when required to work a holiday
- Continued education and professional development
- Local and national professional association dues
- Uniforms
- Free meals/food
- Golfing privileges
