A rare opportunity exists for a passionate and talented Equipment Manager to oversee the equipment fleet and maintenance facility at a new golf course maintenance operation in Luling, Texas. Luling is a suburb equal to Austin and San Antonio, a 45-minute drive to both cities. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to play an integral role in the development of a new golf course, the acquisition of a new fleet of equipment and the construction of a new maintenance facility from the ground floor.

Kyle Franz, golf course architect, is designing an 18-hole exclusively private facility with Golden Age design influence. The site is extremely unique with an extensive network of ravines that run throughout the 1,100+ acres, which are surrounded by a working cattle ranch.

Franz is recognized for creating innovative and highly acclaimed golf experiences. The project is deemed to blend design influence from Golden Age architecture with the Texas Hill Country landscape to provide firm, fast and elite conditioning.

The selected candidate will be a passionate and accomplished leader, who brings energy to join an ambitious and golf-centric ownership team. The atmosphere and experience will cater to amateur golfers and events, and those who love the game of golf.

Membership will be local and national. It is expected to be an invitation-only membership with less than 10,000 rounds annually with no cart rounds. The vision is to create an everyday golf experience reflective of the finest in the United States.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Equipment Manager will work closely with the Director of Golf Course and Grounds, Golf Course Superintendent and the respective team. The Equipment Manager reports to the Director of Golf Course and Grounds and oversees a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for the golf course assets including a new fleet of equipment, service areas, maintenance facility complex, tools, technology and parts. The individual will play a key role in the initial evaluation and leasing/purchasing of the equipment fleet anticipated to be north of $2 million.

The focus of this job is on producing high quality, detailed work based on establishing standards, guidelines and procedures. The individual must exercise precise, consistent output, but also be able to think outside the box to provide creative solutions. The individual will be expected to create a supportive, professional environment reflective of the finest facilities in the United States.

Develop the vision, execution and enhancement of the culture of the maintenance staff. He/she will be a collaborative, hands-on, and service-oriented partner. The golf experience will be the primary driver of success for a golf-centric membership, and thus will require diligent attention, expertise, and care.

INITIAL PRIORITIES OF POSITION:

Partner with the Director of Golf Course and Grounds, construction, design, and ownership team to create a new 18-hole golf course and practice area that will be sustainable and deliver world-class fast and firm conditions.
Assist with the design of turf maintenance operations including equipment fleet, buildings, grinding and service areas, mechanics workshop and office, storage areas, employee restrooms, locker rooms and break rooms.
Establish foundational preventative maintenance programs, equipment inventory and identification, digital record keeping, work orders, safety training and R&M budget.
Provide input and oversight into the development of the maintenance facility best management practices including compliance, safety requirements, label database including SDS & MSDS labels, equipment wash and storage practices, fuel facilities, and waste handling.

SUCCESS TRAITS OF INDIVIDUAL:

Resident expert of equipment service, repair, safety and facility maintenance
Highly engaged, approachable, proactive and intuitive leader.
Takes personal pride in educating, training staff and ensuring a welcoming environment for Luling Golf employees, members and guests.
Technically sound in Diesel engine, fabrication, welding and knowledge base of golf course equipment fleet; seeks out information and furthering their proficiency from industry experts.
Builds relationships with staff, senior leaders and local suppliers and technicians.
Attentive to details, organizational skills to ensure preventative maintenance schedules are on point.
Knowledge and ability to properly maintain cutting units at a very high standard.
Strive to provide optimal playing conditions for our golfing membership.
Keep the state-of-the-art Golf Course Maintenance Facility in working order, clean and organized.
Strong time-management, technology and organizational skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND APTITUDES:

Inspection, diagnostics, service and repair of all machines and vehicles associated with the Golf Maintenance Department.
Maintain proper parts inventory levels using programs like electronic fleet management systems.
Communicates with the management team daily to optimize daily operations and conditioning standards.
Ensures optimal quality of cut for all playing surfaces daily.
Order, maintain and track fuel usage by Golf Course Maintenance.
Assists with budgeting process utilizing historical records.
Establishes and maintains budgets for equipment fleet and maintenance complex.
Submits necessary purchasing orders.
Helps establish Equipment Apprenticeship programs to create an environment for internal professional development and growth.
Maintains maintenance facility cleanliness and organization, and holds the team accountable to safety, efficiency and performance of a top tier facility.
Create, manage and facilitate on-boarding for all new employees such as new hire orientation, safety standards, equipment service standards and initial equipment training, maintenance facility cleaning and organizational standards.
Work closely with the management team to develop "trainers", providing on-the-job training, along with guidance and oversight of performance benchmarks.
Builds relationships with industry suppliers, technicians and trade schools to provide continuous development for Luling employees.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

5-8 years as an Equipment Manager with a progressive career pathway but will consider Assistant Equipment Managers working under a reputable supervisor.
Minimum of a certification in automotive repair, diesel engine or similar fields.
Preferred certifications from GCSAA.
Strong working knowledge of turf equipment and ability to perform repairs at a high level.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary - $90,000-$120,000 (Dependent on experience)
Performance bonus
Benefits include 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Partially paid health and dental insurance
Paid time off
Golfing privileges
Tools provided
Professional dues, uniforms, and continuing education opportunities.
Relocation assistance
Tournament volunteer opportunities

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT:

KYLE FRANZ

In addition to his own design work, Kyle has been fortunate to have been a part of the neo-classical design movement spearheaded by Tom Doak, the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse. This movement has changed the industry the last 20 years by moving the “Design & Build” philosophy to the forefront.

This philosophy is dedicated to building world class courses and restorations themselves. Instead of merely handing plans created in an office to a contractor, they are hands on building their own courses. This combination of craftsmanship and personal attention produces better results and eliminates unnecessary outside contracted costs for a client – a substantial sum on any project. His shaping, design, management, construction, finishing, and project planning talents are well established, and he specializes particularly in the artful design and construction of greens complexes and bunkers.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please write a thoughtful cover letter to Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, about why you are interested in the position, and how your expertise will contribute to the success of the position.

Save your application materials as one file as such:

(Last Name, First Name, Luling)

Apply with the link above no later than March 17th, 2023. It is expected candidate in person interviews to take place no later than April 14th, 2023.