Golf Course Superintendent

Founded in 1924, Burlington Country Club (BCC) has long been a pillar of the Burlington, Vermont community. The Club was conceived with the ambition of becoming a premier destination that could rival the finest in New England and beyond. The founders secured 150 acres set atop a hill offering stunning views of Lake Champlain and Vermont's Green Mountains. The Club enlisted the expertise of renowned golf course architect Donald J. Ross to design its course. By 1930, BCC boasted the only 18-hole course in Vermont designed by Ross, distinguished for its unique counter-clockwise, concentric nines. The course quickly garnered acclaim for its breathtaking scenery, strategic design, and exceptional greens. Over the years, BCC has played host to numerous Vermont amateur championships and welcomed legendary golfers such as Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi, Bobby Locke, and Betsy Rawls.

In addition to its renowned golf course, BCC offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool that serves as a summer sanctuary for families, complemented by summer camps and a swim team, fostering a vibrant community for members of all ages. Today, Burlington Country Club continues to honor its rich legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of its members, ensuring its place as one of Vermont's premier country clubs.

Mission Statement

Burlington Country Club has a proud heritage and tradition as a private, family-oriented country club. We are committed to providing exceptional service, outstanding golf, recreation, and social experiences in a friendly and welcoming environment for all Members and their guests.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Burlington Country Club is to be the premier country club in the State of Vermont, as measured by membership experience, and as the best Club to work for as measured by employee job satisfaction.

Life in Vermont

The position provides the successful candidate and their family the opportunity to fully embrace the relaxed and multifaceted Vermont lifestyle, including:

• A community with a shared appreciation for the environment, each other's well-being, and individual points of view on local, national, and global issues, resulting in friendly and safe communities. Vermont is ranked as the 2nd safest state in the country.
• A world-class education at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. Vermont has the highest annual per-pupil spending in the country and is considered the 4th most educated state.
• Year-round outdoor activities including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and all forms of winter sports.
• Access to an outstanding healthcare system. Vermont is ranked 4th in healthcare affordability and access.
• With five ski areas within an hour's drive and a historic downtown stacked with live events, local and inventive dining, and independent shops, Burlington is an excellent winter destination.

About Burlington Country Club

• Gross Dollar Volume: $6.8m
• Dues Volume: $3.2m
• F&B Volume: $1.0m
• Memberships: 408 (Golf – 137 Social)
• Rounds of Golf: 23,000
• Initiation Fee: $12,500
• Dues / Other: $12,455
• Board Members: 9
• Committees: Board, Audit, Greens, Finance, Golf, Governance, House, Nominating, Membership, Human Resources, Disciplinary & Grievance, and Strategic Planning
• Full-Time Staff: 25
• Seasonal Employees: 90

The Burlington Country Club operates on a seasonal schedule, with adjusted hours during the fall and winter months. The Clubhouse is closed for the holidays, including Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday through Sunday) and for approximately two weeks around Christmas. After the golf course closes, typically around November 7th, the Club transitions to modified hours from approximately November 15th to April 15th. During this period, the Clubhouse is closed on Mondays, open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Friday, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The golf course usually reopens around April 25th, marking the return to full operations.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Superintendent is responsible for leading all golf course and grounds maintenance operations, ensuring outstanding playing conditions for daily member use as well as premier tournament and championship events. This role oversees agronomic planning and execution, departmental staffing, budget management, and overall operational performance, with a focus on delivering excellence across all aspects of course maintenance. The ideal candidate will be a visible, approachable, and member-centric leader who actively engages with members, staff, and Club leadership. Through collaboration and effective communication, they will develop and implement a long-term strategy for enhancing course conditions and sustaining one of Vermont’s most respected and accomplished agronomy programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for all golf course and grounds operations, ensuring the course consistently delivers exceptional playing conditions throughout the year.
• Plan and implement agronomic programs, oversee the maintenance of the golf course, practice facilities, landscaping, and pool areas, and support tournaments, member events, and other Club activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of assistant superintendents, equipment technicians, and grounds staff in partnership with the General Manager and Director of Golf.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing, scheduling, resource allocation, and operational efficiencies to ensure the department operates at the highest level.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, administer safety and risk management programs, and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Foster transparent communication with members, staff, and Club leadership regarding course conditions, projects, and departmental priorities.
• Play an integral role in the planning and execution of capital projects and ongoing course improvement initiatives to advance the Club’s long-term strategic vision and enhance the overall member experience.

Attributes

• A personable and engaging leader who builds strong relationships with members and staff while embracing and enhancing the Club’s culture.
• A service-oriented professional with a demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and mentor team members, creating a culture centered on continuous improvement, accountability, and exceptional service.
• Passionate about the member experience, actively engaging with members and their families to gather feedback and identify opportunities to enhance Club facilities and services.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively across departments to promote alignment, communication, and operational excellence.
• Possesses sound judgment and critical-thinking skills, evaluating challenges from multiple perspectives and making thoughtful, informed decisions.
• Goal-oriented and adaptable, consistently delivering high-quality results while effectively navigating changing priorities and circumstances.
• Cultivates a positive, supportive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, professional growth, and constructive conflict resolution.
• An effective communicator with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly conveying expectations, policies, procedures, and updates to staff, members, and guests.
• Dedicated to delivering outstanding service through responsiveness, attention to detail, and proactive anticipation of member needs.
• Forward-thinking and innovative, continually seeking opportunities to improve operations, enhance the golf experience, and support the Club’s long-term success.
• A genuine and approachable leader with a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor that helps foster an enjoyable and welcoming environment for members and staff alike.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in golf course management, including demonstrated success as a Golf Course Superintendent or in a similar role at a high-caliber golf facility.
• Extensive agronomic knowledge, including expertise in the management of bentgrass and warm-season turf varieties, combined with a proven track record of building, leading, and developing successful teams.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience in budget development, forecasting, cost control, and effective resource management.
• Comfort utilizing technology, analytics, and modern turf management tools to support agronomic decision-making and drive operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to establish strong relationships with members, staff, and Club leadership while effectively communicating department goals, course conditions, and strategic initiatives.
• A two- or four-year degree in Agronomy, Turfgrass Science, Horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other industry-related technology platforms.
• Must provide exceptional professional references and successfully complete a comprehensive background screening as a condition of employment.

Pay

Competitive base salary: $100,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, life, and healthcare insurance benefits.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and support for a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional association dues, continuing education support, and industry conference attendance in accordance with the approved annual budget.
• Additional business-related expenses as authorized by the Club.