Agronomy Intern PGA WEST

POSITION SUMMARY

The Agronomy Intern is a seasonal or temporary position designed for students or recent graduates enrolled in or completing a Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related program. This role provides foundational exposure to golf course maintenance operations and prepares individuals for advancement into a full-time Assistant-in-Training (AIT) position. The Agronomy Intern reports to the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent and works closely with the 2nd Assistant Superintendent, participating in day-to-day golf course maintenance activities while gaining insight into the professional standards of high-quality turf management.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field of study.
• Strong interest in a long-term career in golf course maintenance or turf management.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from experienced supervisors.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional in conduct.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Complies with all safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Learns safe equipment operation and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediately reports any accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions.
• Participates in safety briefings and hazard awareness sessions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with daily maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, and bunkers.
• Performs routine tasks such as mowing, trimming, raking, and course setup.
• Supports irrigation inspections and basic repair work.
• Learns and participates in fertilizer and pesticide applications under direct supervision.
• Observes turf conditions and reports any issues to supervisors.
• Operates turf equipment safely and responsibly with proper training.
• Participates in special projects such as aeration, topdressing, drainage installation, or renovation efforts.
• Completes assigned learning goals and participates in feedback sessions with the Assistant Superintendent.
• Build familiarity with golf course maintenance routines and expectations.
• Understand the principles of turfgrass health, soil management, and plant protection.
• Gain exposure to course equipment, tools, and irrigation technologies.
• Learn the basics of chemical handling, safety procedures, and environmental best practices.
• Develop professional communication and teamwork skills in a fast-paced setting.
• Receive mentorship and evaluation to determine readiness for promotion to the Assistant-in-Training role.
• Supports setup and teardown of golf course events or tournaments.
• Assists with landscape maintenance around the clubhouse or shared facilities.
• Participates in department meetings, project planning, and team initiatives.
• Completes internship reports or assignments required by college/university programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Walking, driving, lifting 50 lbs., and performing repetitive motion.
• Outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Standing, lifting, bending, kneeling, walking for extended periods.
• Exposure to lawn equipment, hand tools, and motorized carts.
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, uneven terrain, and moving equipment.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Outdoors in heat and humidity, with exposure to lawn maintenance equipment, chemicals, and computers for recordkeeping and scheduling.

SCHEDULING

Golf maintenance operates 7 days/week. Early mornings and weekend work is required as part of a rotating crew schedule.

THE DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED AND DIRECTED BY MANAGEMENT. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND DUTIES MAY BE MODIFIED WHENEVER DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY MANAGEMENT.