Selecting a professional superintendent to manage your golf course investment
Selecting the best candidate
If possible, job interviews should be performed by a selection committee of individuals who are familiar with your course’s operations and who possess a basic knowledge of turfgrass management techniques. The sample interview questions that follow may help you elicit important information about each candidate and allow consistent questions.
It’s important to provide each interviewee with a copy of the superintendent’s position description. You should also provide candidates with a copy of your organization’s employee policies. This will help potential employees understand the overall mission, goals and formal structures of your operation.
Another important process, too often neglected, is allowing the applicant an opportunity to observe the golf course and maintenance center. Both the employer and the candidate can learn a great deal about each other during the course of an informal tour of the grounds and facilities.
When you have narrowed your search to a few top candidates, it’s a good idea to supply the finalists with your long-range plan for the golf course.
The selection committee might also arrange to visit a finalist’s current golf course to view conditions and evaluate maintenance practices. Such a tour can offer great insight into a candidate’s real on-the-job performance. The professional conduct guidelines approved by GCSAA’s board of directors provide information on appropriate etiquette when conducting such a visit. A copy of GCSAA’s Professional Conduct Guidelines is available for your review.
|