
Golf Course Manager
City of Palmer, Juneau, AK, United States
This position is contingent upon approval by the Palmer City Council.*
The Golf Course Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, grounds management, and operational condition of Palmer Golf Course and related outdoor recreation facilities. This position plans, coordinates, supervises, and performs functions necessary to maintain high‑quality playing conditions and safe, well‑maintained public recreation spaces while managing staff, equipment, irrigation systems, budgets, and regulatory compliance in Alaska’s unique climate. Palmer Golf Course operates as a for‑profit enterprise fund of the City of Palmer, requiring sound financial management, cost control, and operational efficiency. The Manager ensures the course and associated grounds are maintained in a safe, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner consistent with the financial sustainability goals of the enterprise fund and the City. This position plays a key role in supporting revenue generation, protecting City assets, and maintaining the long‑term financial viability of the enterprise fund.
Develop and implement comprehensive turfgrass management programs suitable for Southcentral Alaska conditions.
Oversee mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, and integrated pest management.
Monitor turf health and adjust practices based on seasonal weather patterns and growing conditions.
Prepare and protect the course for winter conditions and manage spring opening operations.
Maintain greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers, and landscaped areas to established standards.
Collaborate with management regarding course conditions and scheduling.
Assist with tournament preparation and special events.
Communicate effectively with city officials, golf staff, and the public when necessary.
Operate and maintain irrigation systems.
Schedule irrigation based on turf needs and environmental considerations.
Monitor pump stations, drainage systems, and water usage.
Respond to public complaints and service concerns.
Performs cross‑facility operational support within the Community Development Department during the off‑season.
Equipment & Facilities Management
Oversee maintenance and repair of all golf course equipment.
Coordinate with mechanics and outside vendors as needed.
Maintain maintenance facility in a safe and organized condition.
Develop equipment replacement schedules and capital improvement recommendations.
Budgeting & Administration
Prepare and manage the annual budget.
Track expenditures and ensure cost‑effective operations.
Assist with long‑range and capital improvement planning.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, chemical applications, daily staffing levels, weather and incident reports, and safety compliance.
Operate within an enterprise fund structure, ensuring maintenance practices align with revenue goals and long‑term financial sustainability.
Develop and recommend annual rate structures, pricing strategies, and fee adjustments to the City Manager to support enterprise fund revenue goals and long‑term financial sustainability.
Analyze rounds played, revenue trends, operating costs, and market conditions to inform pricing and promotional strategies.
Develop and implement promotional programs, special events, and marketing initiatives to increase utilization and revenue.
Operations Reporting & Performance Management
Track and report daily rounds played, categorized by fee type, and monitor utilization trends.
Maintain accurate daily revenue records by category (e.g., green fees, cart rentals, range fees, trail fees, merchandise, and other revenue streams) in accordance with City financial policies.
Document authorized fee waivers and ensure compliance with applicable City policy.
Maintain weather logs, course closure records, and operational notes.
Prepare and document incident reports, including injuries, property damage, and emergency response activity.
Maintain comprehensive equipment inventory and preventive maintenance records, including inspection logs, repair history, usage tracking, and downtime documentation.
Track staffing levels and maintenance labor hours by functional area to support budgeting and operational planning.
Provide regular operational and financial summary reports to the Department of Community Development and City administration.
Pro Shop & Retail Operations
Oversee the operation and financial performance of the golf course pro shop.
Responsible for all merchandising, purchasing, inventory control, and retail display of products offered for sale.
Maintain, at all times, an appropriate inventory of merchandise, supplies, and rental equipment consistent with customer demand and suitable for use on the course.
Ensure availability of products including, but not limited to, apparel, golf clubs, golf bags, golf carts, golf shoes, tees, instructional materials, and other golfing equipment and supplies.
Establish pricing, monitor sales trends, and manage inventory levels to support enterprise fund revenue goals.
Implement retail promotions and marketing strategies to enhance customer experience and maximize revenue.
Ensure proper cash handling, credit card processing compliance, point‑of‑sale procedures, and internal controls consistent with City financial policies.
Environmental & Safety Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain proper licensing for pesticide applications.
Implement safe chemical handling, storage, and disposal procedures.
Promote environmental stewardship and responsible land management.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Parks & Recreation Management, Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Public Administration, Facilities Management, or related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education.
Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in golf course maintenance, turf management, or parks and recreation facility management involving outdoor grounds maintenance, irrigation systems, and staff supervision.
Supervisory experience required.
Valid Alaska driver’s license.
Knowledge of cool‑season turfgrass management.
Must be able to obtain TAPS certification.
Personal Qualifications
Experience managing a municipal golf course, public parks system, or comparable municipal recreation facilities.
Experience managing revenue‑generating operations.
Knowledge of maintaining turf in short growing seasons and cold climates.
Budget development and financial management experience.
Equipment maintenance knowledge.
Working Conditions This position requires flexible hours during peak season, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and operating equipment. Must have the ability to operate heavy equipment and turf machinery.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Golf Course Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, grounds management, and operational condition of Palmer Golf Course and related outdoor recreation facilities. This position plans, coordinates, supervises, and performs functions necessary to maintain high‑quality playing conditions and safe, well‑maintained public recreation spaces while managing staff, equipment, irrigation systems, budgets, and regulatory compliance in Alaska’s unique climate. Palmer Golf Course operates as a for‑profit enterprise fund of the City of Palmer, requiring sound financial management, cost control, and operational efficiency. The Manager ensures the course and associated grounds are maintained in a safe, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner consistent with the financial sustainability goals of the enterprise fund and the City. This position plays a key role in supporting revenue generation, protecting City assets, and maintaining the long‑term financial viability of the enterprise fund.
Develop and implement comprehensive turfgrass management programs suitable for Southcentral Alaska conditions.
Oversee mowing, fertilization, aeration, topdressing, overseeding, and integrated pest management.
Monitor turf health and adjust practices based on seasonal weather patterns and growing conditions.
Prepare and protect the course for winter conditions and manage spring opening operations.
Maintain greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers, and landscaped areas to established standards.
Collaborate with management regarding course conditions and scheduling.
Assist with tournament preparation and special events.
Communicate effectively with city officials, golf staff, and the public when necessary.
Operate and maintain irrigation systems.
Schedule irrigation based on turf needs and environmental considerations.
Monitor pump stations, drainage systems, and water usage.
Respond to public complaints and service concerns.
Performs cross‑facility operational support within the Community Development Department during the off‑season.
Equipment & Facilities Management
Oversee maintenance and repair of all golf course equipment.
Coordinate with mechanics and outside vendors as needed.
Maintain maintenance facility in a safe and organized condition.
Develop equipment replacement schedules and capital improvement recommendations.
Budgeting & Administration
Prepare and manage the annual budget.
Track expenditures and ensure cost‑effective operations.
Assist with long‑range and capital improvement planning.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, chemical applications, daily staffing levels, weather and incident reports, and safety compliance.
Operate within an enterprise fund structure, ensuring maintenance practices align with revenue goals and long‑term financial sustainability.
Develop and recommend annual rate structures, pricing strategies, and fee adjustments to the City Manager to support enterprise fund revenue goals and long‑term financial sustainability.
Analyze rounds played, revenue trends, operating costs, and market conditions to inform pricing and promotional strategies.
Develop and implement promotional programs, special events, and marketing initiatives to increase utilization and revenue.
Operations Reporting & Performance Management
Track and report daily rounds played, categorized by fee type, and monitor utilization trends.
Maintain accurate daily revenue records by category (e.g., green fees, cart rentals, range fees, trail fees, merchandise, and other revenue streams) in accordance with City financial policies.
Document authorized fee waivers and ensure compliance with applicable City policy.
Maintain weather logs, course closure records, and operational notes.
Prepare and document incident reports, including injuries, property damage, and emergency response activity.
Maintain comprehensive equipment inventory and preventive maintenance records, including inspection logs, repair history, usage tracking, and downtime documentation.
Track staffing levels and maintenance labor hours by functional area to support budgeting and operational planning.
Provide regular operational and financial summary reports to the Department of Community Development and City administration.
Pro Shop & Retail Operations
Oversee the operation and financial performance of the golf course pro shop.
Responsible for all merchandising, purchasing, inventory control, and retail display of products offered for sale.
Maintain, at all times, an appropriate inventory of merchandise, supplies, and rental equipment consistent with customer demand and suitable for use on the course.
Ensure availability of products including, but not limited to, apparel, golf clubs, golf bags, golf carts, golf shoes, tees, instructional materials, and other golfing equipment and supplies.
Establish pricing, monitor sales trends, and manage inventory levels to support enterprise fund revenue goals.
Implement retail promotions and marketing strategies to enhance customer experience and maximize revenue.
Ensure proper cash handling, credit card processing compliance, point‑of‑sale procedures, and internal controls consistent with City financial policies.
Environmental & Safety Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain proper licensing for pesticide applications.
Implement safe chemical handling, storage, and disposal procedures.
Promote environmental stewardship and responsible land management.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Parks & Recreation Management, Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Public Administration, Facilities Management, or related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education.
Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in golf course maintenance, turf management, or parks and recreation facility management involving outdoor grounds maintenance, irrigation systems, and staff supervision.
Supervisory experience required.
Valid Alaska driver’s license.
Knowledge of cool‑season turfgrass management.
Must be able to obtain TAPS certification.
Personal Qualifications
Experience managing a municipal golf course, public parks system, or comparable municipal recreation facilities.
Experience managing revenue‑generating operations.
Knowledge of maintaining turf in short growing seasons and cold climates.
Budget development and financial management experience.
Equipment maintenance knowledge.
Working Conditions This position requires flexible hours during peak season, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and operating equipment. Must have the ability to operate heavy equipment and turf machinery.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
#J-18808-Ljbffr