Assistant In Training | Sandbox at Sand Valley

About the role

Sand Valley is a golf resort and community settled gently upon 12,000 acres of rugged, prehistoric sand dunes in central Wisconsin. Here, residents and guests will find six world-class golf courses built in harmony with the land: Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sandbox, The Lido, Sedge Valley, and Commons. Founded in 2016 by brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, the resort is known for its friendly hospitality and a community of golf and outdoor enthusiasts who have been drawn to the raw beauty and serenity of the vast Wisconsin Wilderness.

Beyond premier golf, Sand Valley is a year-round celebration of all the outdoors from fat-tire biking, hiking, and kayaking to ice hockey, skating, or a guided cold plunge. The resort now features a 13,000-square-foot Tennis Center with 16 grass tennis courts and the twelfth Court Tennis facility in the United States. Alongside soul-stirring golf and outdoor exploration, Sand Valley offers a variety of savory dining venues showcasing globally inspired and rustic Wisconsin cuisine.

The Sand Valley team works together to create experiences of a lifetime by asking questions and sharing ideas. With authenticity and a hard-working attitude, Sand Valley helps guide guests through an immersive experience in Wisconsin's natural beauty and away from the demands of daily life.

Position Summary

The Assistant in Training (AIT) supports the daily maintenance of the Sandbox golf course. Working alongside the Sandbox Superintendent, this hands-on role helps oversee daily operations, supervise team members, and support agronomic programs and course improvement projects to ensure exceptional playing conditions and consistent quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing annual maintenance budgets and operating plans while managing costs and resources.
• Plan staffing schedules, assign duties, and supervise daily maintenance activities to meet quality standards and maintain exceptional playing conditions.
• Coordinate recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluations, compensation, and disciplinary matters for assigned team members with the Superintendent and People & Culture.
• Supervise and perform golf course maintenance, including course setup and the care of turf, native areas, plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Monitor pond water quality and support sustainable water management practices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of fertilizer, aeration, and Integrated Pest Management programs.
• Supervise and participate in golf course construction, renovation, drainage, and improvement projects.
• Oversee equipment cleaning, repairs, and preventative maintenance programs for tools, vehicles, and machinery.
• Monitor purchasing, receiving, and inventory to maintain supplies and control costs.
• Maintain clean, organized work and storage areas, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations for chemical and fertilizer handling, storage, and disposal.
• Maintain accurate records of labor, maintenance, equipment repairs, construction, chemical applications, and safety activities. Submit required operational, financial, and budgetary reports on time.
• Stay current with turfgrass management and golf course maintenance practices, equipment, and industry developments.
• Assume the Superintendent's responsibilities during absences, as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; education in turfgrass management or a related field preferred.
• Minimum three years of related grounds maintenance, landscaping, or golf course maintenance experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Working knowledge of agronomy, irrigation, turfgrass management, golf course maintenance practices, and equipment operation.
• Demonstrated experience in team supervision, scheduling, operational planning, and budget management.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, maintain accurate records, perform basic calculations, and work with minimal supervision.

Supervises

• Maintenance Foreman, Equipment Operators, and Laborers, as assigned.

Perks

• Golf Privileges
• Retail & Restaurant Discounts
• Employee Meal Program
• Uniform Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program