USGA Agronomist: West Region

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.

As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA’s headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org.

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).

• 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 communicate 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.

• 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 agronomy support and expertise at our national championships to deliver course setup and conditioning consistent with the goals of the championship director.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency with USGA tools used to measure playing characteristics at championships, and can accurately collect, interpret, and communicate the resulting data.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…