Heavy Equipment Operator

Overview of Responsibilities

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of specialized golf course maintenance equipment used in the upkeep, conditioning, and improvement of the Lyford Cay Club Golf Course and surrounding grounds. This position performs advanced turf maintenance, grading, earthmoving, drainage, transportation, and equipment operation tasks while contributing to the overall presentation, playability, and safety of the golf course.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is expected to demonstrate a high level of skill in operating tractors, hydraulic mowers, utility vehicles, and other specialized equipment while adhering to all Club safety standards and operating procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Equipment Operations

- Safely operates tractors, hydraulic mowers, loaders, utility vehicles, and other specialized maintenance equipment.

- Performs mowing operations on fairways, roughs, tees, approaches, and other designated playing surfaces.

- Operates turf tractors and equipment exceeding 28 horsepower.

- Assists with hauling, transportation, grading, leveling, and earthmoving projects.

- Operates equipment used during drainage, irrigation, bunker, and golf course improvement projects.

- Assists with course construction, renovation, and enhancement projects as assigned.

Golf Course Maintenance

- Maintains fairways, roughs, tees, greens surrounds, bunkers, lakes, cart paths, and natural areas to Club standards.

- Removes debris, fallen branches, and litter from golf course property.

- Changes cups, tee markers, ropes, stakes, and other course accessories.

- Maintains bunkers through machine and hand-raking operations.

- Assists with aerification, verticutting, topdressing, overseeding, and other cultural practices.

- Repairs divots, installs sod, and supports turf recovery efforts.

- Applies fertilizer, soil amendments, and approved turf management products as directed.

- Assists with tree, shrub, and landscape maintenance operations.

Equipment Care & Safety

- Performs daily inspections of assigned equipment prior to operation.

- Cleans, fuels, lubricates, and maintains equipment according to established procedures.

- Reports equipment malfunctions, damages, or safety concerns promptly.

- Ensures safe operation and storage of all equipment and materials.

- Adheres to all Club safety policies, environmental standards, and operating procedures.

Course Presentation & Member Experience

- Ensures the golf course is consistently presented in a clean, safe, and professional manner.

- Services water stations, benches, rain shelters, ball washers, trash receptacles, and related course amenities.

- Removes litter, fallen branches, and other debris from the golf course and maintenance areas.

- Assists with course setup and preparation for tournaments, special events, and member activities.

- Demonstrates courtesy and professionalism while working in areas occupied by Members and Guests.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent required.

- Minimum two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment, turf equipment, agricultural equipment, construction machinery, or golf course maintenance equipment preferred.

- Valid driver's license required.

- Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments efficiently and accurately.

- Demonstrates professionalism when interacting with Members, Guests, and fellow employees.

- Basic understanding of workplace safety procedures and safe equipment operation.

- Dependable, punctual, and flexible in meeting operational requirements.

- Commitment to maintaining Lyford Cay Club standards of excellence.