About this role:

The ideal candidate will be based near major golf markets and a major airport in the southern or central portion of the West Region (e.g., Bay Area, Southern or Central California, Las Vegas, NV, Salt Lake City, UT, Denver, CO). This agronomist should expect regular travel among these areas and ideally will be experienced with both warm- and cool-season turfgrass management. USGA agronomists develop and disseminate sustainable, science-based management practices and practical solutions to help golf facilities maintain better playing conditions through the USGA Course Consulting Service (on-site visits, championship consulting and support, education, research, and special projects). 

What you'll do:

Course Consulting:  

• Conduct on-site Course Consulting Service visits for the assigned region
• Complete on-site visits and subsequent reports in a professional manner. Return reports within 14 days of the consulting visit.
• Collaborate with golf courses and industry leaders in your region to advance USGA priorities and develop course consulting business.   
• Clearly communicates golf course maintenance practices and their impact on the golfer experience to golf shop staff, golfers, and green committee members.
• Maintain an advanced knowledge of golf course maintenance best management practices.
• Maintain a basic knowledge of state and federal EPA requirements and regulations. 

Championship Support: 

• Guide the agronomic preparations of the USGA championship host sites, as assigned.
• Work with the championship staff-in-charge in advance of and during the event to achieve course playing quality objectives and prepare necessary reports.
• Provide on-site agronomic support and expertise at our national championships to deliver course setup and conditioning consistent with the goals of the championship director.
• Demonstrates strong proficiency with USGA tools used to measure playing characteristics at championships, and can accurately collect, interpret, and communicate the resulting data.  

Education Outreach: 

• Develop timely, thorough, and well-written articles and education products on agronomic and sustainability issues to support USGA strategic priorities to a broad audience (e.g., course officials, superintendents, regulatory officials, golfers). 
• Develop content and make presentations on agronomic and sustainability topics while advancing the Green Section expertise, outreach, and programs available from the USGA.
• Provide input in the development of Green Section multi-media education products.
• Assist in the editing of staff materials before submitting for publication, as requested.  

Research: 

• Remain current on the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program and pertinent research conducted by regional universities.
• Share relevant research topics through Green Section education outreach efforts. 
• Keep USGA research team informed with needed research and research activities in region. 

General Duties: 

• Maintain a fundamental understanding of the USGA strategic plan and goals for a culture of excellence.  
• Maintain relationships with regional allied associations on agronomic-related issues.
• Attend and lead USGA sponsored activities, conferences, and internal business meetings.
• Keep the Green Section Managing Director apprised of regional activities.
• Collaborate and assist with departmental activities and projects, as assigned.
• This job description is not all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned as needed.   

Varying degrees of travel will be required. The West region covers a vast geographic area, and frequent air travel and overnight hotel stays are mandatory components of the position.

Where you'll be:  

The preferred candidate will be based remotely in the Southern California region, unless otherwise noted by the Managing Director, Green Section.  

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000

Company car included: (Toyota Tacoma OR Toyota RAV4)

The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000. This range represents what we reasonably expect to pay as starting base compensation for this role. Compensation is based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, and relevant certifications. In addition to your base compensation, the USGA provides competitive benefit offerings for all full-time employees.

What you bring:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Courteous and professional demeanor 

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree (agronomy, horticulture, or related field preferred). 
• Minimum of five years related work experience.

What the USGA brings:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero-contribution medical plan offered for all full-time employees
• Retirement plans, with a generous annual contribution from the USGA
• Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
• Off-site team building events
• Professional development opportunities
• Learn more about our benefits and culture here