Head Mechanic

Position Summary:
The Head Mechanic is responsible for the overall maintenance, repair, inventory, and operation of all grounds-maintenance and course-equipment machinery at our 18-hole golf course at Tamarisk Country Club. This role ensures that turf equipment, utility vehicles, tractors, mowing and grooming machinery, and other mechanical assets are safe, reliable, and available to support daily operations and special events. The Head Mechanic leads the equipment maintenance team, manages parts inventory, develops preventative maintenance schedules, and works closely with the Grounds and Maintenance leadership to optimize equipment performance, minimize downtime, and control costs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee, perform, and coordinate all maintenance and repair work on the golf course's equipment fleet: mowers, greens-rollers, utility vehicles, aerators, bunker rakes, trimmers, blowers, etc.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance program (PM schedule) for all equipment, ensuring timely servicing, inspections, oil changes, belts/filters, hydraulics, tires, etc.
• Supervise, mentor, and train equipment mechanics or maintenance technicians; assign work orders, monitor performance, and maintain safety standards.
• Maintain and manage parts inventory: order, receive, stock, track usage, identify obsolete or slow-moving parts, negotiate with suppliers as needed to optimize costs.
• Troubleshoot mechanical problems, perform diagnostics, conduct repairs (engine, transmission, hydraulic, electrical systems, etc.), both in-shop and in the field as necessary.
• Keep accurate records of equipment hours, maintenance history, repair costs, equipment condition and expected useful life; provide regular reports to management.
• In collaboration with the Grounds team, plan for equipment replacement, upgrades and assist in budgeting for upcoming fiscal cycles.
• Ensure all equipment is operated safely and according to manufacturer specifications; enforce safety protocols, maintain shop cleanliness, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations (fluids, filters, disposal, spill prevention).
• Coordinate with outside service providers / vendors when complex repairs or warranty issues require external support.
• Assist in special event preparations when golf course operations may require additional equipment readiness (tournaments, banquets, course closures).
• Provide backup support for grounds operations when needed: e.g., operating equipment during peak season or in emergencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct supervision of equipment mechanics
• Oversight of any seasonal or temporary maintenance helpers assisting in the shop.
• Responsibility for setting priorities, scheduling maintenance work, and ensuring high quality of workmanship and safety compliance.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical education or vocational certification (mechanics, hydraulics, diesel, small engines) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical/equipment repair, preferably in a golf course, grounds-maintenance, landscape, parks, municipal or heavy-equipment environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude: experience with gasoline/diesel engines, hydraulics, transmissions, electrical systems, weld/fabrication skill is a plus.
• Knowledge of turf equipment (greens mowers, fairway mowers, utility vehicles) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to plan work and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to read technical manuals, interpret schematics, troubleshoot effectively.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interacting with management, grounds staff, vendors.
• Valid driver's license: ability to operate club vehicles as required.
• Able to lift and maneuver heavy parts, use hand tools/power tools, stand, bend, climb ladders, work in shop and outdoors in varied weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a country club or golf course environment.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and basic computer skills (maintenance log software, spreadsheet tracking).
• Experience in shop safety and environmental compliance (fluids handling, waste disposal).
• Welding/fabrication skills.
• Certifications: e.g., hydraulics, diesel mechanics, OSHA safety coursework.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily located in an equipment maintenance shop on site at the golf course, but frequent travel to equipment across the course required.
• exposure to outdoor conditions when working in the field (grass areas, rough terrain, adverse weather).
• Noise, grease, oil, dust, and use of heavy machinery.
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required during peak golf season or to support tournament/event setups or emergency repairs.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits package: health, dental, vision; vacation/sick leave; summer golf privileges; on-site parking.