Director, Agronomy

Location: Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada About Cabot Cape Breton Located on over a mile of sandy beach along the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia—and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness—Cabot Cape Breton is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Featuring 47 holes of exhilarating golf. Our Cabot Cape Breton resort includes two acclaimed World Top 100 courses, a practice facility equipped with Trackman Range, 72 rooms of award‑winning accommodation, 63 luxury Golf Villas and Homes, with Cliffs Lots under construction, exquisite dining in four on‑site restaurants, two clay tennis courts, outdoor activities and a significant new Clubhouse at Cabot Cliffs under construction. Cabot Cape Breton is intended to excite and inspire at every turn. Position Overview A key member of our Cabot team, our Director of Agronomy will be instrumental in building on the Cabot legacy of unrivaled golf. This leader will oversee our vitally important Turf & Property Grounds departments, enhance the golf course conditions, and direct the development tie‑ins to our acclaimed Cabot Cape Breton Golf Courses. Our courses are unique in Canada with wall‑to‑wall fescue greens, tees and fairways on Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, and bent greens on The Nest. Knowledge and experience in fescue turf is an important attribute for our Director of Agronomy. Core Competencies Lead and develop the Superintendents, Mechanics and Irrigation leadership. Provide agronomic direction for the care and healthy growth of our golf courses, including grasses, trees, wetlands, and surrounding environmental structures. Elevate the course conditions with a focus on attention to detail, providing outstanding playing surfaces for premium golf. Work in partnership with all Golf Divisions to continually exceed guest experience standards, focusing on firm fast conditions renowned in links golf. Plan, develop, and execute all agronomic programs in compliance with the company’s environmental protection policies, IPM Plan & Audubon Certification, while leading long‑term, sustainable turf conditioning objectives. Oversee improvements to the property’s maintenance facilities, on‑course structures, and nurseries. Oversee effective coastal dune ecosystem management, repairing & mitigating coastal erosion, and provide strategies to protect and enhance the natural coastline. Coordinate golf course improvements, long‑term plans, repairs and maintenance programs while considering player access, golf season peaks and business volumes. Assist with planning and execution of new developments and take responsibility for acquisition, installation, and evaluation of infrastructure relative to property landscapes. Oversee all landscaping to current and future Villas and Homes, helping to elevate the resort’s look and feel to greater standards. Inspire a best‑in‑class team who works across Turf & Horticultural operations for Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs, The Nest, practice facilities, resort & real estate grounds, wooded areas, tennis & recreational amenities, open spaces, plantings & gardens, exterior landscapes & hardscapes, etc. to perform at the highest standard. Provide clear and engaged leadership to all team members, actively connecting with a positive, team‑oriented communication style and winning together. Raise the bar on taking care of your team – working with Human Resources on recruitment, selection, performance evaluations, training, compensation, payroll, etc. Ensure Health & Safety standards are met, improved, documented, and proper training conducted in all areas of the Turf and Landscaping departments. Represent our Cabot Cape Breton brand with impact as a liaison in reviewing/determining future construction specifications, sanctioning of material testing & analysis, installation of infrastructure, and recommendations & requirements. Liaise with Superintendents and manufacturers to devise a full, complete machinery fleet strategy for 5‑ and 10‑year replacements. Build strong relationships with our Managing Director, General Manager, Chief Financial Officer and Architects, among others, to complete all activities, interests, and requests. Develop and implement organizational efficiencies for the teams of Superintendents & Assistants, Equipment Managers, Resort & Landscape Managers. Coordinate and oversee ground’s personnel activities while guiding team members in their personal/professional development plans and the positive work culture Cabot delivers. Inspire colleagues to develop themselves and coach their teams to perform to the highest standard. Implement Cabot policies including operating procedures, Human Resources, safety policies and others pertaining to the property and maintenance of the turf departments and resort staff. Responsible to elevate the course conditions and tidiness of all grounds including all three golf courses, residential landscaping and resort landscaping throughout all properties attached to Cabot Cape Breton. Ensure strict compliance with guidelines pertaining to provincial and federal legislation, regulations, permits, and licenses. Refine or adjust procedures relating to propagation, application equipment, & technological advances and climate required for product applications, planting programs, as well as data collection & analysis. Oversee procurement of the equipment fleet & property assets for both golf and operational property maintenance, as authorized by the CFO. Responsible for the preparation and implementation of operating and capital budgets. Assist with financial forecasts and analyzing budget variances directly with the Director Golf, CFO and Controller(s). Assure the efficient and timely submission of all required operational, financial, budgetary and record‑keeping reports in accord with approved objectives and outcomes. Coordinate the hiring and schedule of work for contractors and ensure they align with the golf course and resort development plans to maximize efficient progress during construction phases. Assemble and work with architects, consultants, scientists, engineers, and affiliates with advanced expertise and unique skillsets. Maintain knowledge of current industry developments through continuous learning, attention to golf industry periodicals and participation in relevant trade associations and organizations. Experience and Qualifications & Skills Strong awareness and curiosity about industry trends and technology to support growth and maintenance. Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, highly analytical with exceptional problem‑solving skills. Leadership skills that include asking open‑ended questions, excellent listening, and intentionally connecting with team members regularly. Degree or Diploma in Golf Course/Turfgrass Management or a related field. CGSA Accredited Golf Course Superintendent, GCSAA Certified GC Superintendent and/or working toward certification. Previous Golf Course Management/Directorial experience within a multi‑golf‑course facility. Ability to maintain a Nova Scotia Pesticide Applicators License & IPM Certification. Demonstrated experience and competency in turfgrass agronomic practices and procedures. Demonstrated experience and aptitude in fiscal management and personal leadership. Passion and ability to coordinate agronomic strategies for Golf Courses and Landscape Departments. Ability to analyze and solve problems, efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure with minimal supervision, and willingness to work flexible hours as required including early mornings, nights, and weekends. Physical Demands Work outdoors in varying environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. Spend long hours moving, walking, sitting, standing, kneeling, reaching, shoveling and/or raking. Occasionally exert up to 100 pounds of force, or up to 25 pounds frequently to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects. Work with and around motorized equipment movement hazards and misdirected golf balls. Utilize audio/visual technologies for communication purposes. Work safely with pesticides, fertilizers, and registered products, and safely interpret and follow product safety labels and instructions. Start Date & Employment Duration Start Date: February 1st, 2026 Full‑time, Year‑round Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Other Industries: Hospitality #J-18808-Ljbffr