Director of Greens & Grounds
Northampton Country Club – Easton, Pennsylvania
Northampton Country Club (NCC) seeks an experienced, collaborative and forward-thinking Director of Greens & Grounds to lead the agronomic, operational and long-term stewardship of its 18-hole golf course and surrounding grounds. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a Superintendent who takes pride in producing exceptional playing conditions, understands the specific demands of perennial ryegrass fairways, develops and mentors a strong team, and can thoughtfully advance significant course improvements while remaining disciplined with financial resources.
Vision
Rooted in tradition and shaped by friendship, Northampton Country Club strives to be recognized as a best-in-class country club in the Lehigh Valley. It’s a place where members come to play, relax, and create memories that last a lifetime.
About the Club
Founded in 1899, Northampton Country Club is a private, member-focused club in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, offering golf, racquets, aquatics, dining and social experiences. The Club values its traditions while continuing to invest in the quality and long-term sustainability of its facilities.
- 18-hole Golf Course with Practice Range
- Greens/Collars: Poa Annua/Bent Grass Mix
- Tees: Bent Grass
- Fairways: Perennial Ryegrass
- Rough: Fescue, Rye & Blue Grass Mix
- Driving Range: Bermuda Tee & (3) Ryegrass Tees
- Primary Season: April – October
- Number of Outings: 11
- Approximately 500 member families across all membership categories
- An active golf membership with high expectations for consistent playing conditions
- An evolving Golf Course Master Plan and anticipated major irrigation infrastructure investment
The Opportunity
NCC is seeking a leader who can balance agronomic excellence with sound judgment, team development, member communication and long-range planning. The successful candidate will partner closely with the General Manager/COO and Director of Golf, communicate effectively with Club leadership and committees, and bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to course conditions and capital priorities. This is not an unlimited-budget environment: success requires setting priorities, planning ahead, making thoughtful tradeoffs and maximizing the value of every dollar invested.
Key Responsibilities
Agronomy & Course Conditioning
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of golf course turfgrass management in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic climate, including seasonal stress, disease prevention, traffic management, fertility, irrigation, cultivation, recovery, and long-term turf health.
- Develop and execute agronomic programs for all playing surfaces, with attention to consistency, playability, presentation, environmental stewardship and sustainable maintenance practices.
- Use data, field observation and sound agronomic judgment to make timely decisions; communicate expected results, risks and tradeoffs clearly.
- Plan maintenance around golf activity, tournaments and seasonal conditions in close coordination with the Director of Golf.
Capital Improvements & Golf Course Master Plan
- Serve as a key operational partner in evaluating, planning and implementing a future golf course irrigation system replacement, including design input, water management, phasing, contractor coordination, installation oversight and post-installation performance.
- Support implementation of the Golf Course Master Plan, including potential fairway and other turf regrassing, bunker renovation, drainage improvements, tee construction or reconstruction, and related course enhancements.
- Collaborate with the General Manager/COO, Director of Golf, golf course architect, irrigation consultants and outside contractors to establish practical project scopes, priorities, schedules and operating impacts.
- Provide credible cost estimates, options and recommendations; anticipate disruption to play, maintenance requirements and long-term costs; oversee establishment and grow-in when applicable.
- Help distinguish essential infrastructure needs from desirable improvements and sequence projects responsibly according to Club resources and approved priorities.
Leadership, Mentorship & Team Culture
- Recruit, lead, coach and retain a capable, accountable Greens & Grounds team; establish clear expectations and a culture of safety, respect, pride and continuous improvement.
- Actively mentor assistants and emerging leaders through hands-on training, delegation, performance feedback and professional development.
- Build a department in which employees understand not just what needs to be done, but why it matters to the course, members and Club.
- Lead visibly and collaboratively, taking ownership of challenges and recognizing team contributions.
Financial & Operational Management
- Prepare, manage and regularly evaluate operating and capital budgets in partnership with the General Manager/COO, with transparent reporting and proactive forecasting.
- Deliver the best possible playing conditions within approved financial and staffing constraints, making realistic recommendations grounded in cost, impact and long-term value.
- Manage labor, equipment, purchasing, chemical and fertilizer programs, vendor relationships and preventive maintenance with attention to efficiency and responsible stewardship.
- Present thoughtful alternatives when conditions, projects or member expectations exceed available resources; avoid surprises through early communication and clear prioritization.
Collaboration, Communication & Member Experience
- Work as a trusted partner to the General Manager/COO and Director of Golf on course priorities, daily decisions, playability, scheduling and the member golf experience.
- Communicate regularly and professionally with Club leadership, staff, members and relevant committees regarding course conditions, agronomic practices, planned work and project impacts.
- Translate technical agronomic and construction matters into understandable recommendations without overpromising results or timelines.
- Be an approachable, engaged member of the Club’s management team who welcomes input, handles feedback constructively and supports the Club’s broader goals.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated success as a Golf Course Superintendent or senior agronomic leader at a quality golf facility; private-club experience preferred.
- Documented expertise managing perennial ryegrass fairways in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region is strongly preferred; candidates should be prepared to discuss specific agronomic challenges and measurable outcomes.
- Meaningful involvement in irrigation renovation/replacement and golf course construction or renovation projects—particularly regrassing, bunkers, drainage and tees—strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to build and mentor teams, develop future leaders and foster a positive, accountable department culture.
- Strong financial management skills and a record of delivering results within defined operating and capital budgets.
- Excellent judgment, organization, communication and interpersonal skills, including effective collaboration with a General Manager, golf professional staff, committees and outside specialists.
- Degree or certificate in turfgrass management, agronomy or related field preferred; appropriate Pennsylvania pesticide credentials (or ability to obtain) required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $130,000–$170,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Eligible for an annual performance bonus based on achievement of established departmental goals, operational performance, and overall Club objectives.
- Medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k); paid time off
- Professional development and industry education support consistent with Club budget
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé via email by November 6, 2026 outlining their qualifications and leadership style to:
Submit materials to:
Missi Johnson General Manager / COO
mjohnson@northamptoncountryclub.org
