Lead Assistant Golf Course Superintendent The Country Club of Darien

The Country Club of Darien, located in Darien, Connecticut, is seeking a Senior Assistant Superintendent to join their golf course maintenance team in a key leadership role. Situated along Long Island Sound, Darien is a prestigious coastal town known for its beautiful waterfront scenery. It offers suburban living with convenient access to the city, making it an ideal place for young professionals and families.

The Country Club of Darien, founded in 1957 on the Auchincloss family estate, features an 18-hole golf course originally designed by Alfred H. Tull, recently renovated by Mike Hurdzan. The full-service club offers golf, two driving ranges, a short game area, tennis and paddle facilities, a pool, and a clubhouse, serving as a year-round social and recreational hub. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing Rain Bird 2-wire irrigation system installation with Tanto Irrigation and other annual capital improvements to the golf course.

This position has become available following the advancement of the previous Senior Assistant, who recently accepted a Golf Course Superintendent role at a nearby private club. The selected candidate will be an integral part of our team, contributing to daily maintenance operations, key agronomic initiatives, and special projects. They will gain hands-on experience with the club’s advanced maintenance practices, innovative technologies, and environmental stewardship efforts.

This role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth, supported by direct mentorship from Superintendent JR LaPan, and is designed to prepare the individual for future leadership positions within golf course management.

Club highlights:

• Staff: A total of 24 in season
• Work hours may vary depending on water management needs and weather conditions. During peak season, employees receive scheduled time off each week. In the shoulder and off-seasons, weekend shifts are rotated among staff.
• Grass Types: Poa/Bent on greens, tees, fairways and approaches, Tall fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass rough

Success traits of individual:

• A dedicated hardworking individual who consistently strives to complete tasks efficiently and thoroughly
• A positive team player who contributes to a collaborative work environment by supporting colleagues and boosting morale
• A proactive problem solver who identifies challenges and develops effective solutions
• Possesses strong communication and organizational skills, effectively collaborating with others while managing tasks and deadlines efficiently
• Eager to learn and adapt, readily embracing new information and adjusting to changing circumstances or requirements
• Skilled at multitasking, effectively managing multiple responsibilities without compromising quality or efficiency
• Takes pride in their work by demonstrating attention to detail and strives for high-quality results in every task
• Demonstrates flexibility and determination to meet deadlines and maintain productivity in a fast-paced work environment

Initial priorities of the positions:

• Familiarize yourself with the layout, conditions, and unique challenges of the golf course
• Understand the daily maintenance routines, agronomic programs, and team dynamics
• Take an active role in monitoring irrigation systems, scouting for turf issues, and implementing solutions
• Build relationship with the existing team to be ready for the 2026 season

Key responsibilities, skills, aptitude, and knowledge:

• Assist in golf course operations including course set-up, rolling, and aerification
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment without losing sight of attention to detail
• Assist with annual budgeting and payroll
• Chemical and fertilizer calibration, mixing, handling and application
• Scouting for insects and disease
• Assist in water management using moisture meters and hand syringing
• Assist in scheduling nightly irrigation programs
• Drainage/Irrigation repair and maintenance
• Crew management and training
• Communication with other departments regarding golf course updates
• Active participation in Construction Projects
• Assist in maintaining landscape areas throughout the course and grounds
• Assist with snow removal and paddle court heating schedule
• Assist with pesticide and daily water usage record keeping
• Performs other appropriate duties assigned by Grounds Superintendent
• Attend grounds committee meetings, and tournament dinners when required
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be required to walk or stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to bend, sit at a desk for long periods of time, balance, reach, stoop, kneel, bend, reach with both arms without hindrance; ability to climb on step stool or ladder
• May be exposed to all types of weather (rain, heat, snow, cold, sun, etc.)

Education and Experience:

• 2- or 4-year degree in turfgrass management or related field.
• 5+ years of golf course maintenance experience
• Available to work weekends, long days when necessary, and for all major holidays
• Ability to obtain a Connecticut pesticide license within 30 days

Compensation and Benefits:

• $92,500 – $100,000, depending on experience
• Year end bonus potential
• On-site housing/Housing allowance
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance- 90 days
• 401k + company match (plus safe harbor) after 1 year of service
• PTO and Holiday benefits
• Uniforms provided
• Lunch provided by club
• Golf privileges
• Local and national association dues
• Career development opportunities
• Weekly payroll

About the Country Club of Darien:

The Country Club of Darien is one of Connecticut’s premier private clubs, blending rich history with modern amenities. The club is set on a picturesque property in Darien, Connecticut, offering members a range of recreational, social, and dining options in a welcoming and exclusive environment.

To Learn more, please visit:https://www.ccdarien.org/