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Golf superintendent (Full Time) - FREEPORT ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES

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Well-known member
Freeport Park District | Freeport Illinois United states
Expires: October 17, 2026


Lead the Future for a Premier Northern Illinois’ Public Golf Facility




The Freeport Park District is seeking an experienced, innovative, and highly motivated Golf

Course Superintendent to lead the agronomic and maintenance operations of Park Hills Golf

Course, a premier 36-hole public golf facility in Freeport, Illinois.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished turf management professional who

takes pride in producing exceptional playing conditions, developing a strong maintenance team,

and helping shape the long-term future of a substantial public golf operation.




About Park Hills Golf Course

Park Hills Golf Course is a 36-hole public golf facility situated on more than 300 acres of rolling

terrain in Northwest Illinois. The facility features two distinctly different 18-hole courses,

mature tree-lined fairways, extensive practice facilities, and a long-standing reputation for

providing quality playing conditions and an outstanding public-golf experience.

Both courses were designed by C.D. Wagstaff in 1955, providing Park Hills with more than 70

years of golf history.

The East Course is a classic parkland layout measuring 6,503 yards from the back tees. The par-

72 course has a 70.8 course rating and 124 slope and features rolling, tree-lined fairways,

strategically placed bunkers, and a variety of holes that reward thoughtful shot-making while

remaining enjoyable for golfers of varying abilities.

The West Course provides a more demanding test, measuring 6,627 yards from the back tees.

The par-72 layout has a 71.9 course rating and 128 slope. Elevation changes, mature trees,

forced carries, strategically positioned bunkers, creeks, and undulating greens create a

challenging and memorable golf experience.

In addition to its 36 holes, Park Hills offers a 300-yard natural-grass practice range with 15

hitting stations, two large practice putting greens, a fully stocked Pro Shop, Legacy Pub, and

outdoor patio.

The facility serves daily public play as well as leagues, tournaments, charitable and corporate

outings, and special events throughout the golf season. Park Hills has also been recognized by

Golf Digest’s Places to Play with a 3½-star rating for value and service.




The Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of the Freeport Park District, the Golf Course

Superintendent is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all golf course

maintenance and agronomic operations. Responsibilities include turfgrass management,

irrigation and drainage systems, equipment and fleet maintenance, landscaping and tree care,

environmental compliance, budgeting, and supervision and development of full-time and

seasonal maintenance staff.




Key Responsibilities

• Direct all maintenance and agronomic operations for two 18-hole golf courses and

practice facilities.

• Develop and implement comprehensive turfgrass management programs.

• Manage irrigation systems, drainage, and water-conservation practices.

• Recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and develop maintenance personnel.

• Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets.

• Oversee golf course equipment and fleet maintenance.

• Coordinate daily course setup and tournament preparation.

• Ensure compliance with pesticide regulations, OSHA standards, and environmental

requirements.

• Participate actively in planning future capital improvements and establishing the longterm

vision for Park Hills Golf Course.

• Maintain excellent working relationships with golfers, vendors, contractors, Park District

staff, and community partners.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable turf professional and proven leader who understands

that exceptional golf course conditions are achieved through sound agronomic practices, careful

planning, effective resource management, and the development of a strong maintenance team.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture,

Plant Science, or a related field.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible golf course maintenance

experience, including supervisory responsibilities.

• Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one within six months.

• Strong knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation systems, golf course maintenance

equipment, and contemporary agronomic practices.

• Proven leadership, communication, budgeting, planning, and organizational skills.

• Commitment to environmental stewardship, continuous improvement, superior playing

conditions, and an exceptional golfer experience.




Why Join the Freeport Park District?

The next Superintendent will have an opportunity to do more than maintain an established golf

facility. This individual will have an important leadership role in determining the future of Park

Hills Golf Course.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Lead maintenance operations for a significant 36-hole public golf facility.

• Work directly with a supportive Executive Director and management team.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing golf course maintenance staff.

• Help establish priorities for future course, equipment, infrastructure, and capital

improvements.

• Introduce new ideas and sound agronomic practices while building upon Park Hills’

established traditions.

• Make a visible impact on the playing experience for thousands of golfers each year.




Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary: $78,000–$87,000, depending upon qualifications and experience.

The Freeport Park District provides a comprehensive benefits package with an estimated total

compensation value approaching $120,000 annually, including employer-paid health

insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system,

generous paid time off, and other excellent benefits.

The District also strongly supports professional development, including:

• GCSAA membership support

• Continuing education

• Conference attendance

• Professional licensing reimbursement




The position typically requires early mornings along with seasonal weekend, holiday, and

weather-related responsibilities customary for golf course operations.




Freeport Park District Mission Statement

The mission of the Freeport Park District is to promote the use of recreation in generating an

exciting, dynamic quality of life by providing the highest quality facilities and programs to meet

the ever-changing needs and interests of all ages and abilities. The Park District will preserve

and protect land and resources for the enrichment of the community and future generations.




How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to:

Bruce Cubberley, Executive Director

Freeport Park District

bcubberley@freeportparkdistrict.org

Please include “Golf Course Superintendent Application” in the subject line.

Application Deadline: October 23, 2026




The Freeport Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a

welcoming environment for all employees.








 
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