Cape Fear Country Club, located in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina is hiring a Director of Agronomy to join its storied history. Cape Fear, founded in 1896, has the honor of being the oldest private Country Club in North Carolina and, one of the five co-founders of the Carolinas Golf Association formed in 1905. Along with hosting the Azalea Open for the years 1949-1971, we are also a permanent Rota member for the Carolinas Amateur. The beloved Donald Ross golf course went through a $6 million renovation with famed architect, Andrew Green with the scope of the renovation including all green complexes being rebuilt and re-grassed with Champion Bermuda, all bunkers redesigned and constructed along with the addition of several tees and a championship practice area that includes the 9-hole Par 3 “Azalea” Short Course. The new state-of-the-art golf performance center was completed in June 2024.

Today, it is the vision of Cape Fear Country Club to maintain our status as one of the premier country clubs in North Carolina. As part of the vision, the Club is currently in search of a Director of Agronomy to begin in early Spring. The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate the following responsibilities. 

The Director of Agronomy is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, and execution of all golf course and grounds operations at Cape Fear Country Club. This position plays a vital role in preserving the historic integrity of the Donald Ross design while delivering exceptional playing conditions consistent with the Club’s premier standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all agronomic operations for the golf courses, practice facilities, and club grounds
• Maintain championship-level playing conditions for Champion Bermuda greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, and the Azalea Short Course
• Develop and manage agronomy budgets, including labor, equipment, chemicals, and capital planning
• Lead, train, and motivate a high-performing agronomy team with a focus on professional development and retention
• Ensures that all team members obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to perform job tasks safely and within regulations
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager, Golf Professional staff, and Club leadership to support tournaments, member play, and special events
• Oversee all agronomic programs including irrigation, fertility, pest management, and environmental stewardship
• Ensure proper maintenance and care of the $6 million Andrew Green renovation and all club assets
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to safety, labor, and environmental practices
• Communicate clearly and professionally with membership regarding course conditions, projects, and agronomic initiatives
• Develop and execute annual agronomic plans and long-range improvement strategies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive agronomy leadership experience, preferably at a high-end private club or championship facility
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience managing warm-season turf, particularly Champion Bermuda greens
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build and inspire a cohesive team
• Excellent organizational, budgeting, and communication skills
• Active Class A GCSAA membership

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range - $185k - $210k  
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance available
• Vehicle provided by the Club

To Apply: 

• Email resume to Mary Geiss, GM / COO at mgeiss@capefearcountryclub.net