2027 Grounds Intern - Lake Geneva Country Club

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lake Geneva Country Club is looking for motivated individuals who want to build a strong foundation in turfgrass management while contributing to the next chapter of a historic club.

Our internship combines daily golf course maintenance with hands-on training in agronomy, moisture management, irrigation, equipment, and project work. Interns will work alongside our leadership team, learn the purpose behind our practices, and earn additional responsibility as their skills and judgment develop.

As planning progresses toward a renovation targeted for 2028, interns will gain exposure to current improvement work and the preparation involved in a major golf course project. Specific experiences will depend on the internship dates and project schedule.

ABOUT LAKE GENEVA COUNTRY CLUB

Founded in 1895, Lake Geneva Country Club is a historic private club on the south shore of Geneva Lake in southeastern Wisconsin. Our Grounds Department is entering a period of investment and long-range improvement, with Andrew Green selected as golf course architect and a property-wide renovation targeted for 2028.

We believe in developing people through meaningful responsibility, open communication, mentorship, and exposure to every side of a golf course operation.

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Founded: 1895

Golf Course: 18 holes with Driving Range and Short Game Area

Golf Course Architect: Andrew Green

2028: Property-wide golf course renovation planning underway

Greens: Bentgrass/Poa annua; variably constructed 

Irrigation: Major irrigation and pump station improvements planned in conjunction with the club's long-range improvement program

Equipment: Significant recent investment in new Toro equipment and technology

Season: May through October, providing a unique seasonal schedule with significant offseason flexibility

Professional Development: Strong emphasis on education, networking, mentorship, and progressively increasing responsibility

WHO WILL THRIVE HERE

The right individual will take ownership of their responsibilities, ask questions, contribute ideas, and embrace the opportunity to grow alongside the golf course and our team.

Our ideal candidate:

Is quite curious, asks questions, and seeks to understand why we do what we do

Arrives on time, follows through, and takes pride in details

Communicates respectfully and works well with the entire staff

Welcomes coaching and applies feedback

Takes initiative while recognizing when to ask for guidance

Wants to contribute and actively pursue professional growth

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

Responsibility will increase with demonstrated ability, training, and familiarity with the property.

Complete daily course preparation and maintenance assignments to department standards

Safely operate walk and riding mowers, utility vehicles, and other equipment after training

Monitor moisture and assist with handwatering and irrigation under guidance

Assist with sprayer calibration, fertilizer and plant protectant applications, and application records as training and required licensing allow

Participate in aerification, topdressing, grooming, sod work, and other cultural practices

Assist with irrigation repairs, drainage, nursery work, and scheduled improvement projects

Observe turf conditions, collect data, and communicate issues promptly

Lead small groups or defined assignments when ready, with management support

Maintain clean equipment, organized facilities, and safe work areas

Keep a learning journal with photographs, observations, and questions

Participate in progress discussions and an end-of-season evaluation

Perform other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Learning will be intentional and adjusted, where possible, to your experience, school requirements, and career goals.

Turf health, growth patterns, disease identification, and weather-related decisions

Moisture assessment, handwatering technique, and irrigation fundamentals

Fertility, plant protectant, and growth regulator programs

Calibration, application accuracy, recordkeeping, and safe handling practices

Cultural practices and how they influence playing conditions

Equipment operation, care, and communication with the Equipment Technician

Course setup and tournament/event preparation

Fundamentals of communication, teamwork, and leading an assignment

Infrastructure improvements and renovation preparation as projects allow

Turf talks, guest speakers, networking, continuing education, and volunteer opportunities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Pursuing a turfgrass certificate or degree, or a related course of study with a demonstrated interest in golf course management

Previous golf course maintenance experience preferred; candidates beginning their careers are encouraged to apply

Valid driver’s license

Willingness to obtain required Wisconsin pesticide credentials for assigned application responsibilities

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and meet the physical demands of maintenance work, including lifting or moving up to 50 pounds

Availability for early mornings, weekends, holidays, and additional hours when conditions or events require them

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$18-$22 per hour, dependent upon experience

Free housing available

Uniforms provided

Club-provided lunch while the club is open

Golf privileges

Professional development and volunteer opportunities

Continuing education, turf talks, and guest speakers

Scheduled unpaid time off, coordinated with management

Internship dates, duration, and scheduling are flexible

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and if applicable, a brief cover letter outlining your background, learning goals, and available internship dates to connorq@lakegenevacc.com .

Connor D. Quigley | Director of Grounds | Lake Geneva Country Club