Job Description
Req Id:  42896
Job Title:  Golf Course Assistant-in-Training
City:  West Lafayette
Job Description: 

Job Summary

This is intended to provide experience and guidance for an individual’s growth and promotion in the golf course industry.  The position will collaboratively work with the Golf Course Superintendent and/or Assistant and/or Associate Superintendent to execute an all-inclusive golf course maintenance program for  two 18-hole championship golf courses, including turf maintenance, and landscaping programs.  The position will participate in a diverse range of activities involved in daily golf course maintenance and numerous course improvement projects.  The position will work closely with and report to the Golf Course Superintendent and/or Associate and/or Assistant Superintendent. The position will oversee regular and temporary hourly staff.

What You'll Be Doing:

Functionally Supervisory Responsibilities 

  • Assist with scheduling and work assignments of regular, temporary non-student and student maintenance employees to ensure good, playable conditions, and cost control.  ‎
  • Work alongside, train and supervise employees in equipment operation and golf course maintenance.
  • Maintain accurate daily log book of completed task for the day.

 

Maintenance Operations 

  • Together with the Golf Course Superintendent and/or Associate and/or Assistant Superintendent, ‎Collaborate on and execute an all-inclusive golf course maintenance plan for ‎two Championship 18-hole golf ‎courses.
  • Work with and Manage daily golf course turf maintenance and related projects ‎‎(includes drainage mowing, turf maintenance, chemical applications, irrigation, ‎tree and ‎shrub maintenance, golf course aesthetics). 
  • Discuss critical-path decisions affecting the playability of the course and evaluate recommendations with the Superintendent. 
  • Develop and maintain positive, ‎productive working relationships with athletics crew, ‎agronomy and physical facilities staffs, and outside vendors.

 

Spraying applications 

  • Acquire knowledge and skill for pesticide and application methods for golf courses.
  • Routinely inspect golf course to assess need for pesticide herbicide, fungicide, group control, chemical balance, quantity, and location of all appropriate and ‎necessary chemical applications and evaluate recommendations with the Superintendent. 
  • Maintain complete and accurate records.

 

Maintenance Shop Operations 

  • Collaboratively with Superintendent and/or Associate/Assistant Superintendent, maintenance and shop operations ‎by: repair and upkeep of ‎equipment within approved budget, developing multi-year plan for maintenance equipment purchase, trade-in and salvage.
  • Learn all aspects of equipment repair and maintenance, i.e. grinding, lapping, adjusting infield diagnosis and clear concise communication to mechanic. 
  • Ability to adjust to equipment failures.‎

 

Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent 

  • Learn how to develop and manage annual budgets.
  • Collaborate with Superintendent and/or Associate/Assistant Superintendent and outside ‎constituencies such as NCAA and USGA to meet specifications of tournaments. Participate in continuing education opportunities such as ‎seminars, workshops, correspondence ‎courses, field days, and trade shows. 
  • Subject to 24 hour call-backs.‎

About Us:

Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue’s 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together—where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more: Purdue Boilermakers Athletics  

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

  • Associates Degree required
  • Degree in Turf Management, Agronomy or related field preferred
  • One (1) year of Golf Course experience required
  • Experience with supervision preferred

 

Skills needed:

  • Basic knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations affecting the management of golf course operations, e.g., safety and environmental standards, etc. 
  • Working knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices.
  • A thorough understanding of the rules of the game of golf. 
  • Ability to effectively interpret, communicate, and implement University policies & procedures. 
  • Excellent communication (oral & written), problem-solving, decision-making, organizational, and customer service skills. 
  • Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels. 
  • Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology impacting golf course business processes. 
  • Personal computer and related software skills, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, etc., necessary. 
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid State pesticide applicators ‎‎license (3A & B). 
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Indiana driver’s license. ‎
  • Ability to communicate and adhere to University, Big Ten Conference and NCAA policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

  • Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 3
Pay Band S045
Job Code#20003769
 
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University

Posting Start Date:  7/9/26