Selecting a professional superintendent to manage your golf course investment

Negotiating the contract

Introduction

Hiring checklist for employers

Clarifying your needs

Sample position description

Conducting a professional employment search

Narrowing the field

Communicating with applicants

Selecting the best candidate

Sample interview questions

Hiring the golf course superintendent

Negotiating the contract

Sample employment agreement

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The entire compensation and benefits package — along with the terms of employment and conditions of termination and severance — should be clearly enumerated in a written contract. This contract benefits both your organization and the superintendent by precisely defining expectations for performance and recourse for non-performance.

A model employment contract follows. This sample is not intended to cover each and every employment situation, nor can it anticipate specific needs. The employment contract is an important document, so it is vital to seek legal counsel to assure that all details are in order and that both parties’ interests are protected.

Regardless of the specific situation, the superintendent’s employment contract should cover all of the following:

• Terms of employment — Either state that the superintendent is employed for 12 full months each year, or specify which months each year the superintendent is employed and which he/she is not. Specify the contract’s ending date, renewal date or its open-ended nature.
• Duties — Outline the particular activities that the superintendent is to complete, including any off-season responsibilities. Specify the superintendent’s boundaries of authority. Designate to whom the superintendent reports.
• Termination — State the course of action that will be followed if the superintendent is involuntarily terminated. Specify the superintendent’s responsibilities to the employer in the case that he or she voluntarily leaves the position.
• Compensation — Specify the superintendent’s salary and pay period. Define the cash bonus program. Outline the performance review schedule.
• Benefits — Define the benefits that will be provided to the superintendent. Common benefits include association dues, travel and expenses for professional activities, vehicle, housing allowances, meals, golfing privileges, insurance, sick leave, etc.
• Vacation — Specify the amount of vacation leave that the superintendent will earn throughout his or her tenure in this position.

Many other terms and conditions can be included in an employment agreement, depending on the size and specific requirements of the golf course facility.