Position & Program Overview
- The Assistant in Training (AIT) is a structured, two-facility internship experience created through a partnership between Sand Valley and 21 Golf Club. This highly selective program is designed for emerging agronomy professionals pursuing long-term leadership careers in golf course management.
- Through hands-on responsibility and direct mentorship, the AIT supports daily golf course operations while building technical agronomy expertise, leadership capability, and operational judgment across two distinct golf environments.
Program Timeline
- Phase 1 - The Lido at Sand Valley | Nekoosa, WI
- Late March or early April through mid-October 2027
- Transition Week
- One week off for travel to South Carolina
- Phase 2 - 21 Golf Club | Aiken, South Carolina
- Approximately six months, concluding in April 2028
- Employment, compensation, and benefits are administered separately for each portion of the program and are subject to the policies of the employing entity.
Phase 1 - The Lido at Sand Valley
- The Lido at Sand Valley is a championship links-style golf course inspired by the original Lido Club and maintained at the highest standard within a destination resort environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily planning, staffing schedules, and execution of maintenance activities
- Perform course setup, mowing, rolling, bunker care, and irrigation operation
- Train, guide, and supervise seasonal team members with a focus on quality and safety
- Support irrigation, drainage, water management, and turf health programs
- Assist with fertilizer, aeration, and integrated pest management applications
- Participate in course construction, renovation, and specialty maintenance projects
- Assist with equipment operation, maintenance, and preventative care
- Support purchasing, inventory management, and operational recordkeeping
- Serve in the Superintendent’s capacity during absences, as assigned
Phase 2 - 21 Golf Club
- 21 Golf Club is a private golf club located in Aiken, South Carolina, offering a distinct agronomic environment and operational approach within a member-focused setting.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist the Director of Agronomy with daily course and facility management
- Support crew scheduling, operational procedures, and daily course setup
- Assist with irrigation scheduling and system adjustments to maximize water efficiency
- Apply best management practices to meet course conditioning and detail standards
- Assist with fertilizer, plant protectant, and aerification programs
- Coordinate with the Equipment Manager on mowing schedules, tournaments, and equipment needs
- Assist with construction projects, renovations, and special initiatives
- Maintain chemical, fertilizer, and application records
- Participate in budgeting discussions and operational planning
- Actively engage in on-the-job learning by asking questions, applying instruction, and demonstrating initiative
Qualifications
- High school diploma required
- Certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or current enrollment in an accredited turfgrass or related program preferred
- Previous golf course maintenance experience preferred
- Strong interest in building a long-term career in golf course management
- Working knowledge of agronomy, irrigation, and course maintenance practices, or a strong desire to learn
- Ability to understand and follow instructions, policies, and procedures
- General understanding of motorized golf course equipment
- Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and strong work ethic
- Playing knowledge of golf preferred but not required
- Flexible schedule including early mornings, weekends, and holidays
- Willingness to relocate temporarily as part of a two-facility program
Working Conditions
- Combination of indoor and outdoor work
- Exposure to extreme heat, humidity, and cold weather
- Overtime as required based on operational needs
- Physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating equipment
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.