Head Greenkeeper

We have a unique opportunity for a Head Greenkeeper to lead a team at the Southampton Municipal golf course. Designed by J H Taylor (five times British Open Champion) and completed in 1935 this 27 hole golf course is set in mature parkland. Recent renovations to the course have increased users and we are looking for someone who is passionate about managing and shaping the course into the future, unlocking its full potential and cultivating its heritage and biodiverse character.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing a six person green keeping team, on shifts and all associated machinery and equipment.


• Undertaking and demonstrating to staff practical greenkeeping tasks


• Drawing up management plans and schedules of work to maintain the course.


• Understanding the heritage and biodiversity of the site and enhancing this through good maintenance.


• Implementing and promoting sustainable management and maintenance practices in line with industry best standards.


• Talking to the Southampton Golf Club, public and clients to explain what works are being carried out and why.


• Ensuring all works follow best health and safety practices and that risk assessments are up to date and adhered to.
  
  To be successful in the role you will be competent and experienced in golf course green keeping and the use of associated vehicles and machinery, preferably having either been a Head Greenkeeper or Assistant Head Greenkeeper in your previous employment. You must have a full, clean driving licence. A minimum of Grounds Management Association (GMA) level 2 Technical Certificate in Turf Surface or above, or equivalent, and relevant Certificates and/or proofs of technical competence. PA1, PA2 and PA6 pesticide competency certificates and a relevant certificate of competence in the operation of tractors. You will require excellent communication skills and be expected to be able to use IT equipment. It is essential for you to work outdoors, sometimes in poor weather, Please note that appointments are usually made at the bottom of the salary scale.


• This post requires a DBS check.


• For any posts that require a DBS check, if you have lived outside the UK within the last 5 years, you will be required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct or a police certificate from the country/countries you have resided in. Kindly note that this is at the expense of the candidate, as well as any costs involved for translating into English.
  
  Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. It is committed to delivering services to ensure they are happy, safe and have opportunities to reach their goals as responsible members of our community. We believe it is always unacceptable for a child, young person or adult to experience abuse of any kind, and recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare. We are committed to following safe practices to ensure this and expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. This commitment is reflected in all our recruitment and selection practices.


As a Corporate Parent we are actively aiming to support all our children in care (looked after children) and care leavers. Any applicants who are children in care or care leavers, who meet the essential criteria for the post applied for, will be guaranteed an interview.

This is a permanent, Monday to Friday, full time contract averaging 37 hours per week, with a seasonal variation working shorter days during the winter off-peak season. There will also be the need to cover team member weekend absence on occasions which can be claimed as overtime or time off in lieu.

Working for Southampton City Council will have its rewards, we are part of the Hampshire pension scheme and the post will come with a minimum of 25 days annual leave dependant on your continued service in Local Government. There are lots of other employee benefits open to SCC employees, from childcare vouchers and discounted travel, to money off at selected restaurants, shops and salons.

You will be based at the Southampton Municipal Golf Course, which has excellent transport links to all of the surrounding area of Hampshire and beyond.

The Southampton Municipal Golf Course came back in house to Southampton City Council in 2021 and has had investment into improving the course which has increased membership and pay to play numbers. The course lies within a conservation area of natural beauty offering an outstanding location for a round of golf. The par 70, 6174yd, 18-hole course is a championship course set in mature parkland and is regarded as one of the best municipal courses in southern England. Our nine-hole course features par three, four and five holes and is easily fitted into a busy day.

If you feel you have the necessary background, experience and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.