Firefly is seeking an experienced Grounds Superintendent to lead the development and long-term management of the property's landscape and grounds maintenance program. This newly created leadership position offers a rare opportunity to join Firefly at the beginning of its story and help establish the standards, culture, and operational systems for one of the country's most exciting new private golf communities.
Reporting directly to the Director of Golf Maintenance, the Grounds Superintendent will lead the development of a high-performing Grounds Department while overseeing the property's landscapes, trees, shrubs, native areas, and common spaces. This is not a maintenance-only position, with meaningful involvement in landscape installation, plant selection, department development, and long-term horticultural planning. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build the Grounds Department from the ground up, establish its culture and standards, and help shape the property's visual identity as the clubhouse village, residential community, and additional amenities continue to develop.
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
- Current Grounds Staff: 3 employees, with the department expected to grow to 15-20 employees
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Golf Maintenance
- Growing Season Schedule: Approximately 50-55 hours per week, with some weekend and holiday coverage based on property needs
- Off-Season Schedule: Approximately 40-45 hours per week with greater flexibility
- Development Timeline: Construction and development will continue in phases for approximately the next five years
- Equipment: John Deere
- Future Development: Continued buildout of the Clubhouse Village, including the clubhouse, pro shop, fieldhouse, outpost, tennis and pickleball facilities, community amenities, and common areas
- Landscape Scope: Ornamental beds, specimen trees, shrubs, native landscapes, annual and perennial displays, meadows, common areas, and an apple orchard
SUCCESS TRAITS OF INDIVIDUALThe successful candidate will be:
- A hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside the team and leading by example.
- Passionate about horticulture, landscape management, and property presentation.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to quality.
- Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership without requiring constant direction.
- A strong communicator who can build relationships and develop a high-performing team.
- Collaborative and willing to work closely with the Golf Maintenance leadership team, contractors, vendors, and other departments.
- Comfortable building systems, processes, and standards from the ground up.
- Someone who embraces challenges and opportunities with a "Yes-Minded" approach.
- Committed to developing employees and creating a department where team members take pride in their work.
INITIAL PRIORITIES OF POSITION- Establish the structure, expectations, and operating standards for the Grounds Department.
- Develop daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal maintenance programs for the property's landscape and common areas.
- Build, train, and develop the Grounds team as the department grows.
- Take ownership of the property's landscape and common areas and establish consistent standards for presentation.
- Become familiar with the property's irrigation, infrastructure, landscape installations, and ongoing construction.
- Work closely with the Director of Golf Maintenance and existing leadership to create a seamless maintenance standard throughout the property.
- Support the continued installation and establishment of landscaping throughout the Clubhouse Village and other developing areas.
- Establish systems for long-term horticultural care, including plant health, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, pruning, mulching, and seasonal color.
- Develop a long-term vision for the department as additional amenities and areas of the property come online.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND APTITUDE- Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor Grounds Department employees.
- Establish departmental expectations, operating procedures, and quality standards.
- Develop and manage daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal landscape maintenance programs.
- Oversee the establishment and long-term care of ornamental beds, specimen trees, shrubs, native landscapes, annuals, perennials, meadows, and the property's apple orchard.
- Collaborate with the Director of Golf Maintenance, architects, contractors, ownership, and other stakeholders on plant selection, landscape installation, and long-term horticultural planning.
- Oversee landscape establishment and maintenance associated with new construction and development projects.
- Develop irrigation strategies for landscape areas while promoting water conservation and plant health.
- Manage fertilization, integrated pest management, pruning, mulching, seasonal color rotations, and landscape renovations.
- Assist with departmental budgets, labor planning, equipment needs, and material inventories.
- Coordinate contractors, vendors, and consultants throughout installation, warranty, and future enhancement projects.
- Maintain a safe, efficient, and organized work environment.
- Work closely with the Golf Maintenance leadership team to ensure a consistent level of presentation and attention to detail throughout the entire property.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, plant health, appearance, and long-term sustainability.
- Help establish a culture of accountability, teamwork, pride, and continuous improvement within the Grounds Department.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- 4-7 years of progressive landscape management experience at a premier golf club, luxury resort, private estate, university campus, botanical garden, or similarly high-end property.
- Proven experience leading, supervising, training, and developing a team.
- Strong working knowledge of horticulture, including ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, native plants, and landscape establishment.
- Experience developing maintenance standards, operating procedures, and efficient work systems.
- Working knowledge of landscape irrigation and plant health.
- Strong communication, organizational, and budgeting skills.
- Tennessee pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain one.
- Valid driver's license.
- Certificate, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Plant Science, Turfgrass Science, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with large-scale landscape construction, installation, or grow-in projects preferred.
- Knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage, hardscapes, and landscape lighting preferred.
- Experience managing high-profile landscape installations from construction through maturity is a plus.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS- Salary: 90,000-100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Bonus opportunity
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-sponsored 401(k) with 4% employer match
- 10 days of accrued PTO, beginning on the first day of employment
- Continued education and professional development opportunities
- Local and national professional association dues
- Uniforms
- Free food
- Golfing privileges
Application Instructions:Please send resume and cover letter as one PDF addressed to Mr. August Rocco, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, by October 12, 2026. The club would like all candidate communication to refer to Bloom Golf Partners.
