Description

Richmond Farm, a distinguished private family estate in Ligonier, PA, seeks a proven leader to oversee the care and presentation of its expansive grounds. The nearly 500-acre property has been privately owned and managed for over 50 years for the exclusive benefit of family members to enjoy.

This role requires a unique blend of agronomic expertise, horticultural excellence, and hospitality-driven service, ensuring the property is maintained at the highest quality standards for daily enjoyment as well as for special family events.

The experienced individual will be responsible for a 3-hole golf course with multiple tee sets to ensure optimal playing condition standards are consistently met, along with maintaining a number of private yards, gardens, natural landscapes, water features, outdoor common amenities, and specialized turf areas.

The director of grounds will be an essential member of a team that pride themselves on working together to create a healthy work environment... where team members support each other, are valued for their contributions, and are justly rewarded for a job well-done.

The summer season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, but with weekend usage throughout the tri-season months. It is expected the director of grounds understands high level presentation, attention to detail, project management, and agronomic practices reflective of top tier amenities in a picturesque country setting.

Position highlights:

• Currently 4 members on the Golf course and grounds team
• Recently completed an entire green and tee box restoration

Success Traits of the Individual:

• Agronomic Mastery: Maintains lawns, gardens, and natural areas at the highest horticultural and turf standards.
• Hospitality-Driven Mindset: Anticipates family and event needs while keeping grounds guest-ready.
• Discretion and Professionalism: Operates with confidentiality, respect, and a service-first approach.
• Hands-On Leadership: Leads and mentors while staying visible, engaged in operations, and always willing to lend a helping hand as a positive role model.
• Strategic Thinking: Works with the General Manager and team to plan and execute property improvements with long-term vision.
• Operational and Financial Acumen: Works with the General Manager to prepare annual operational budget plans including managing and maintaining equipment, identifying capital project needs, and establishing strong vendor relationships.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures every area of the property meets high quality presentation standards.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Adjusts quickly to seasonal changes, weather, and last-minute demands.
• Sustainability and Stewardship: Implements eco-friendly practices that preserve the property long-term.
• Relationship Building: Collaborates effectively with staff, vendors, and family members.

Key Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Other Traits

• Agronomy & Horticulture Excellence
• Direct all turf, ornamental, and natural area programs, ensuring optimal soil health, plant vitality, and turfgrass performance.
• Implement sustainable practices including precision irrigation, integrated pest management, and ecological stewardship.
• Apply best-in-class golf course, estate, and high-end landscape maintenance standards.
• Hospitality & Service
• Anticipate estate needs tied to family use, entertaining, and special events; ensure flawless grounds presentation.
• Collaborate with household and hospitality staff to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Provide flexible, discreet support for seasonal and event-driven requests.
• Leadership & Operations
• Lead and mentor the grounds team (up to 6 individuals), fostering a culture of pride, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Establish standards of performance, safety, and accountability across all operations.
• Collaborates with other departments of private estate
• Oversee equipment, irrigation systems, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Strategic & Capital Projects
• Works with the General Manager to plan and execute improvements to the property's landscapes, turf areas, drainage, and outdoor amenities.
• Manage vendor relationships and contractors to deliver projects on time, meet budget requirements, and to specification.
• Present recommendations to the General Manager that enhance beauty, sustainability, and long-term value.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of progressive experience in grounds, agronomy, turf, or horticultural management; private estate, golf course, or luxury property experience strongly preferred.
• Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's degree in turfgrass management, horticulture, agronomy, or related discipline; advanced certifications desirable.
• Deep knowledge of turfgrass science, soil health, irrigation technology, arboriculture, and landscape design principles.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to recruit, train, and retain high-performing teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail, discretion, and service orientation.
• Ability to balance hands-on fieldwork with strategic planning and oversight.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000
• Bonus potential
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 Days Annual with Carry Over Time into Following Year
• Eligible for Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Holidays: 8 - New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 1 floater
• Life insurance: One times annual wages up to $50,000
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• No disability
• 401K with company match

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a detailed cover letter and resume as one PDF addressed to Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, through the Bloom Golf Partners website:

www.bloomgolfpartners.com

Candidate interviews are anticipated to take place by the first week of November.