Karsten Creek located just outside of Stillwater, OK is pursuing a driven and dedicated Equipment Manager to fill a key role in a revamped organization that will be rebuilding a new course and team for the next 18 months. Well qualified candidates will have a “Team” mentality to go along with their experience and organizational skills. The right candidate should not only possess the skills required to perform job duties at a very high level but should also have a willingness and ability to communicate, train, and assist in leadership with a team of approximately 24+ staff members when re-opening in Spring of 2025. The equipment manager will be expected to actively participate in the establishment and management of a capital equipment replacement program as well as annual repair and maintenance operational budgets. Additionally, the equipment manager is expected to establish and maintain a shop which promotes cleanliness, safety, professionalism, and efficiency, which is expected at a top tier club.
Karsten Creek was conceived in the mind of one man, Coach Mike Holder, and brought to the life through the efforts of many in 1994, Karsten now serves as a daily reminder of the commitment to excellence of the OSU Golf Program. The course was built for the OSU golf teams, and its purpose was to aid in the recruitment of future OSU stars. Beginning in October 2023, the same goal will be reimagined with the redesign and new routing by one of the most sought-after architects in today’s time, Andrew Green.
The mission is to find the missing piece of our puzzle in the Agronomy department by finding an Equipment Manager that is looking to be involved in planning, budgeting, and purchasing our next fleet of equipment, while holding a standard of greatness every time they pull into the gates of Karsten! Karsten will not be your “typical” club, it will be a proving ground for only the best players in the world!
Job Description & Responsibilities:
The Equipment Manage at Karsten will be responsible for daily upkeep, preventive maintenance, and repair of all equipment for the Agronomy department.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace.
Implement a detailed Preventative Maintenance (PM) Program based on manufacturer recommended service intervals for all equipment assets.
Maintain all cutting units to factory specifications and ensure proper quality of cut is achieved each use.
Repair all equipment failures with the collaboration of the Superintendent and needs for the department.
Partner with the Superintendent and key staff regarding agronomic goals, equipment needs and all equipment issues.
Track all repair and maintenance expenditures to stay within budget as best possible.
Determine when equipment repair costs outweigh equipment replacement and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Maintaining proper inventory of common replacement parts (bedknives, tines, control cables, etc.)
Train and hold staff accountable on proper equipment usage, equipment cleaning protocols and equipment safety precautions while keeping a positive work environment.
Develop a system for staff to report any and all equipment issues.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
The candidate would ideally have a strong working knowledge of turf equipment and the ability to perform repairs at a high level. Minimum of certification in automotive repair, diesel engine or similar field with a progressive career pathway under a reputable company or supervisor at a premier facility.
Experience Requirements:
Ability to diagnose and repair diesel, gasoline, and small engines.
Understanding of reel and bedknife grinding in regard to quality of cut and after cut appearance.
Prefer a strong understanding of reel geometry as it pertains to reel diameter, bedknife attitude and clip frequency.
Ability to diagnose and repair hydraulic and electrical systems.
Basic welding and fabrication skills.
Basic computer skills for parts lookup, parts ordering and equipment record keeping.
Successful characteristics of Individual:
Willingness and ability to help the Greens Department in all facets necessary, including working weekends as needed to maintain the level of expectation.
Highly engaged, approachable, proactive and intuitive leader
Can handle constructive criticism, exercise patience, persistence , and ability to adapt to varying situations given the grow in and start-up nature of the club.
Confident in utilizing newer technologies from GPS systems to various computer programs.
Job Benefits:
Salary starting at $80+/ annually, DOE
Health/ Vision/ Dental Insurance (after 30 days from the 1st of the month)
Paid Vacation & Sick Time
IRA Account with employer match contributions
All costs associated with professional organizations and continuing education - conferences & trade shows
Uniforms provided
Golf privileges
Tournament volunteering opportunities
Pro shop discount
Additional Benefits to be discussed during the interview process
Karsten Creek was built for the OSU golf teams, and its purpose is to aid in the recruitment and development of future OSU stars. It was designed by Tom Fazio and honored as the Best New Public Course for 1994 by Golf Digest Magazine. It stretches over 7,400 yards with SR1020 bent-grass greens and zoysia fairways. All of the holes were carved from the native oak trees surrounding Lake Louise. Karsten Creek was so named to honor Karsten Solheim, the founder of Karsten Manufacturing, and Lake Louise honors his wife. Their support of OSU golf over the last 25 years has been instrumental in the success of the golf team. Without them, Karsten Creek would never have become a reality.
