Director of Agronomy  (DOA) Opportunity available at The Desert Highlands Golf Club (DH)
 

Desert Highlands offers an extraordinary opportunity for a Director of Agronomy to lead one of the most renowned residential golf communities in the world. Located in the sought-after Scottsdale, Arizona area, Desert Highlands is celebrated for its exceptional golf and world-class experiences for members and guests. Adding to the excitement, the community will embark on a $10M golf course renovation in partnership with Jack Nicklaus Design and Heritage Golf, starting in May 2025.

The Director of Agronomy (DOA) will report directly to the Club’s Chief Operating Officer and work closely with the Chair of the Green Committee. The DOA is expected to be a highly visible leader, demonstrating outstanding agronomic, business, and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance, management, and presentation of the golf course and club grounds while collaborating with the HOA Landscape Lead to ensure uniformity across the 850+ acre property.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator, fostering a culture of "sincere engagement" with both the management team and members. A deep knowledge of agronomy, paired with a keen attention to detail, is essential. The DOA should possess a "Best in Class" mindset, with a strong commitment to continuing education, professional development, and staying at the cutting edge of industry research and technology.

OVERVIEW OF DESERT HIGHLANDS (DH)
 

Desert Highlands, home site of the first Skins Game, is widely recognized for its exceptional location, preservation of its natural beauty and landforms and top amenities, as well as its progressive and innovative leadership in both staff and volunteer roles.  DH is an exceptional opportunity for a highly competent, member and staff engaged professional who is truly “authentic” in his/her sincere and caring manner, approach and diplomatic style.  Being well networked in the industry and highly competent in key operational, financial, leadership, staff development, programming, governance and execution competencies is truly beneficial for the new DOA of this exceptional association.

The Desert Highlands, located in the shadow of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a private golf, tennis, and recreational community that sets the standard in exceptional desert living.  Set on 850 acres of lush Sonoran Desert, the community and the Club have been recognized by Platinum Clubs of America as being among the top 3 percent in the country. Desert Highlands was ranked number 12 golf club in the United States in 2022-2023.
 

Membership at Desert Highlands is tied to property ownership, so all members have a vested interest in the success of both the Club and the community as a whole.  Members have continually supported the updating and enhancement of club and community amenities while maintaining the overall ambiance, sense of community and vision that make Desert Highlands such a special place.
 

The 18 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship golf has been recognized as “Best Scenic Course” by Arizona Foothills Magazine (2017) and selected as one of “America’s Best 100 Residential Golf Courses” by Golfweek for the last nine consecutive years.  Additional golf amenities include a unique Gary Panks designed, 4-acre, 18-hole, par 41 putting course, and a large practice range and support areas.  A recent success story is members approving a $7M irrigation replacement, bunker renovation and cart path replacement project.  The vote was 80% YES which is testament to the members focus on keeping DH assets in prime condition.  This project was completed in the summers of 2018 and 2019.
 

The award-winning Racquet Club at DH boasts 13 tennis courts that includes all of the grand slam surfaces; 4 grass, 6 clay, and 3 hard courts and 4 pickleball courts.  The Professional staff provide an active tennis and pickleball program for all levels of players including clinics, lessons, organized play sessions, tournaments and many social events.
 

DH has been recognized as one of America's Healthiest Clubs! This distinction is awarded to a small percentage of Private Clubs who achieve an established Health Score based on industry standards.  The DH 7,000 square foot Pavilion Fitness Center, spa and pool that caters to Members' health and well-being.  Members take advantage of the fully equipped fitness center.  Personal training and wellness programs throughout the year include retreats, fitness workshops and nutrition seminars.  The community boasts three and one-half miles of jogging trails; and a pool that is kept at a comfortable 83 degrees year-round.
 

The award-winning Clubhouse boasts multiple dining areas, to include fine dining in the Ventana, casual dining in Jack’s gastropub and a breath-taking outdoors space with 2 Bocce Ball courts. Dining inside or outside, you will experience extraordinary views of the most significant landmark in the area, Pinnacle Peak, as well as the city of Scottsdale located in the valley below, the clubhouse has numerous seating areas and fireplaces, and is simply an extraordinary place to gather with friends and guests, and to hold functions and numerous activities of the Club’s various groups.
 

Desert Highlands draws a diverse membership of people from all parts of the world. 

CORE VALUES OF DESERT HIGHLANDS 

· RESPECT

o show kindness to members, guests, staff family, and the environment

· HERITAGE

o honor our history, traditions and natural surroundings

· DYNAMIC

o inspire creativity to continually evolve experiences, amenities & communication

· COMMUNITY

o support an authentic, welcoming environment to foster friendships & engagement

· EXCELLENCE

o provide superior amenities and experiences to infuse pride throughout the community

· INTEGRITY

o display honesty, sincerity, fairness, and sound fiscal practices

MISSON OF DESERT HIGHLANDS 

· We provide exceptional experiences that instill pride in our community.

VISION OF DESERT HIGHLANDS 

· Desert Highlands strives to be recognized as the finest member owned club community in the Nation.

THE DESERT HIGHLANDS BY THE NUMBERS 

• At present, there are: 563  Full Member families and 23 other memberships
• Overall revenues at DH are in excess of $20M, including operations and capital/reserve fees 
• Food and beverage volume is approximately $2.3M, with approximately 90% from ala carte dining
• The Clubhouse is approximately 35,000 square feet 
• 13 Tennis courts that includes all of the grand slam surfaces; 4 grass, 6 clay, and 3 hard courts 
• 4 Pickleball courts
• 7,000 square foot award winning Pavilion Fitness Center with spa and pool
• There are 9 Board Members and 13 committees
• One board controls all aspects of the community: golf, tennis, fitness, HOA, security  
• Average age of new Members over the last five years is 55 years old 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS  The ideal candidate will be a Director of Agronomy or Head Superintendent with knowledge of project management, Bent grass greens, and over seeded Bermuda grass, along with the transition of these surfaces during the summer months. 

Course Conditioning & Agronomy The Director of Agronomy is a thought partner with the COO and other key executives in the operation of the Golf Course and all Club amenities. He or she is responsible for golf maintenance and agronomic operations, clubhouse grounds landscaping, cost controls, personnel and partnering with HOA to ensure consistency throughout the community.

• Proven history of providing exceptional golfing conditions and managing all aspects of the golf course and landscape at the highest level
• Successful experience managing bent greens
• Proven success in managing over seeded fairways and roughs
• Sensible irrigation management philosophy and practices. 
• A natural instinct and eye for the details and the ability to empower their team to never pass by something that is “not right”
• Experience in developing and maintaining a book of golf course maintenance standards, data logs, and reports
• High golf IQ with a sound understanding of ideal playing conditions

Leadership & Communication The Director of Agronomy must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with a wide variety of audiences. They will support and act as a thought partner to the Green and Golf Committee, contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making processes.

• Directs and participates in golf course design/construction projects along with guiding the vision, planning, and      overall direction of a project
• Willingness to teach, lead and elevate assistants to advance in their professional skill level
• Experience developing standard operating procedures and training programs to onboard new staff
• Works closely with, advises, and coordinates with the Head Golf Professional on any issues related to golf course      maintenance

Management The Director of Agronomy oversees the care and maintenance of the turf, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and desert surrounding the golf course.  They direct and assist the staff in planting new vegetation, replacing, spraying, pruning, and trimming trees and shrubs, preparing soil plant beds for aesthetically pleasing arrangements, and tending to high-stress areas. All while keeping the style of feel of DHs natural Desert Landscape.

• Designs landscape plans for facility grounds and implements the plan
• Provides detailed annual plan for the various property levels and the designated landscaping areas. Includes rotational      design to provide facility with fresh, eye-catching, interesting and pleasant atmosphere.
• Schedules maintenance practices around member play to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to members
• Administers and enforces all Club rules, regulations and policies for staff
• Recruits, supervises and retains maintenance staff. Conducts employee performance evaluations and exercises disciplinary action
• Provides technical, operational and safety training for employees to ensure that staff is working within OSHA, club safety, state and federal guidelines for safe working conditions
• Supervises and participates in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the      Club's grounds in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Supervises and controls all maintenance expenses associated with Golf Course Operations, including payroll, supplies,      chemicals and fertilizers
• Orders parts, supplies and equipment as needed

Financial

• Develops annual operating budget
• Plans and budgets for additional or replacement capital equipment.
• Files all federal and local required regulatory reports

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years experience as a Director of Agronomy or Golf Course Superintendent
• Degree or Certificate in Turf Management (or related field, like agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science)
• Advance computer skills required for financial reporting and control of operations, including use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Rainbird irrigation systems is a plus
• Valid Driver's License
• Pesticide Application License
• Prefer Certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
• Functional ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus