Director of Agronomy

The Crosby Club, located in Rancho Santa Fe, California, is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for a Director of Agronomy! We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and result-driven individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional golf course conditions, developing high-performing teams, and contributing to an outstanding private club experience.

As part of Troon Priv, the Director of Agronomy will have the opportunity to work with a global leader in golf and club management while helping shape the long-term success of one of Southern California's distinctive private club properties.

Compensation : $180,000–$200,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

General Purpose

Manage all agronomic operations for The Crosby Club's 18-hole championship golf course, practice facilities, and surrounding golf course grounds. The Director of Agronomy will be responsible for maintaining exceptional playing conditions, enhancing overall course presentation, and providing leadership and direction to the Golf Course Maintenance team.

Work closely with the General Manager and Troon's Science and Agronomy team to develop and implement comprehensive agronomic programs, effective irrigation and water management strategies, preventive maintenance practices, and long-term capital improvement plans that enhance the golf course and support the expectations of the Club's membership.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, fiscal responsibility, and an exceptional commitment to detail, with the ability to balance daily conditioning standards with the long-term health and sustainability of the golf course.

Key Responsibilities

Develops annual operating budgets and long-term capital improvement plans. Manages departmental expenses in accordance with the Club's financial objectives and established directives.

Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information as directed, requested, or required by Troon representatives or the General Manager.

Maintains a clear understanding of and implements all Troon Agronomy standards while ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.

Establishes and maintains exceptional standards for golf course conditioning, playability, presentation, and overall attention to detail.

Develops and executes comprehensive agronomic programs that promote healthy turfgrass, consistent playing conditions, and long-term sustainability.

Stays abreast of current agronomic information, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.

Oversees irrigation management, pump station operations, water usage, and associated infrastructure to ensure efficiency, reliability, and optimal turfgrass health.

Develops preventive maintenance programs and identifies opportunities to improve irrigation systems, drainage, equipment, and golf course infrastructure.

Ensures proper mixing, calibration, storage, and application of all chemicals and fertilizers used on the golf course.

Ensures that all associates obtain the proper training and licenses necessary to perform their responsibilities safely and in compliance with applicable regulations.

Addresses directly all real or perceived environmental concerns and promotes responsible water management and environmental stewardship.

Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activities on the golf course and provides consistent feedback and direction to key staff members.

Conducts regular golf course inspections to evaluate conditions, identify deficiencies, and ensure established standards are consistently achieved.

Works closely with the General Manager, Director of Golf, and other department leaders to coordinate maintenance activities, golf events, and the overall member experience.

Ensures effective communication within the Golf Course Maintenance department and across other Club departments.

Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork, communication, accountability, ethical behavior, cleanliness, and a "can-do" attitude.

Develops, trains, coaches, mentors, and manages department leaders, providing feedback, direction, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, recognizing achievement, administering corrective action, and resolving associate concerns.

Manages department associates who may include, but are not limited to, Assistant Superintendent, Equipment Manager, Mechanic, Foreman, Irrigation Technician, Greenskeeper, and Equipment Operator.

Ensures effective orientation and training are provided to each new associate.

Develops and implements ongoing training programs focused on agronomic practices, operational efficiency, safety, and professional development.

Incorporates safe work practices into all departmental activities and ensures compliance with Troon policies and procedures.

Collaborates with the General Manager and Troon's agronomic leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute golf course improvement initiatives and capital projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS), preferably in Agronomy, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, or a related field, and five to ten years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Previous leadership experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or Director of Agronomy, preferably at a premier private club or comparable golf facility.

Valid driver's license required.

Must possess a California pesticide applicator license appropriate to the position or be able to obtain the required licensing within an approved timeframe.

Possesses an expert-level understanding of irrigation principles, irrigation system operations, and water management.

Demonstrates the ability to develop and implement effective fertility and comprehensive turfgrass management programs.

Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage a golf course maintenance team.

Experience developing and managing operating budgets and capital improvement plans.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with demonstrated attention to detail.

Other Qualifications

Experience managing golf course renovations, irrigation system improvements or replacements, drainage projects, and other significant capital improvements.

Demonstrated success in maintaining exceptional golf course conditions at a high-end private club or comparable facility.

Experience managing turfgrass under Southern California growing conditions, including water conservation and irrigation efficiency.

Strong understanding of soil science, turfgrass nutrition, plant health, and preventive agronomic practices.

Experience implementing long-term agronomic improvement plans and preventive maintenance programs.

Ability to effectively balance course conditioning, operational efficiency, financial responsibility, and member expectations.

Experience working collaboratively with golf course architects, irrigation consultants, contractors, and agronomic specialists.

Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation preferred.

Strong commitment to professional development, continuous improvement, and the standards of excellence associated with Troon Priv.

Benefits & Other Compensation

This position includes eligibility for the following benefits, subject to applicable plan terms:

Healthcare Benefits – Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Retirement Benefits – 401(k) with employer match (19 years of age and older)

Time Off – Paid time off (PTO) and leaves of absence, in accordance with applicable law and eligibility criteria

Additional Compensation – Eligible for bonuses and employee meals, subject to applicable Club and Troon policies

Physical Demands:

Regularly stands, walks and sits. Regularly uses hands, reaches with arms and hands, talks or hears. Occasionally climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, tastes or smells. Regularly lifts up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts up to 100 pounds.

Environment/Noise:

Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, fumes and/or airborne particles. Frequently works in outdoor weather conditions. Noise level is moderate.

Certificates/Licenses:

Valid Drivers License, Pesticide Application License

Job Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Preferences:

Ability to read and speak English is required in order to perform the duties of the job (e.g. the associates are required to communicate with English speaking customers or co-workers, the manuals for the equipment the associates may use are in English).

Ability to diagnose and analyze the use the chemicals

Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an associate in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

About Troon

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Troon is the worlds largest professional club management company, that specializes in services in golf, hospitality, and residential communities. With more than 900 locations in 45+ states and 27+ countries, Troon is a leading employer in hospitality. Guided by values that emphasize being infectiously energetic, consciously kind, and humbly prosperous, Troon offers professionals the opportunity to grow and succeed within a globally respected organization. Learn more at  www.troon.com .