Chicago District Golf Association
Job Description
CDGA Manager of Turf Research
The Chicago District Golf Association serves a membership which currently numbers about 400 golf clubs throughout Illinois and greater metropolitan Chicago. The Manager of Turf Research is responsible for the logistics and communication of all Field Research/Grant-in Aid activities at Midwest Golf House’s Sunshine Course and other designated sites which are part of the Chicago District Golf Association. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
· Coordinate research projects and direct ongoing research at Midwest Golf House on Sunshine Course with the assistance of CDGA staff and interns. Each summer for Field Day, work in conjunction with the IL Turf Foundation and the turfgrass faculty at the Univ. of Illinois and Southern Illinois Univ. regarding:
- Assist Turf Program Director in solicitation and acceptance of research projects and protocols from the various funding groups (Ag-chem industry, USGA, etc).
- Evaluate new or experimental agents to control pests or alleviate other turf problems.
- Conduct an individual project for scientific presentations. Evaluate new turfgrasses and other innovations that affect golf turf maintenance in northern Illinois.
· Lend assistance to turfgrass communications regarding further development of turfgrass services for member club superintendents which may include:
1. Weekly turfgrass eScouting Reports that are relevant, current, and of interest.
2. Assist website, emails, blogs, mini-blogs, photo hosting, and other avenues to communicate outcomes of CDGA research, weather monitoring, and diagnostics.
3. Promote the use of IPM and “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) on golf courses.
· Participate in educational/extension turfgrass activities (teaching and learning):
1. Attend local, regional, and national turfgrass conferences, seminars and workshops.
2. Write research summaries, reports on diseases or other pests, and newsletter or magazine articles to keep the CDGA member golfers and golf course superintendents abreast of the latest developments to provide healthy turfgrass for golf courses.
3. Help organize and conduct CDGA educational conferences in conjunction with the USGA, ITF, Univ. of Illinois, Southern Illinois Univ., and Illinois superintendent organizations that include – Chicagoland AGCS, Northwest IL GCSA, Central IL GCSA, and Michiana GCSA.
· Help develop greater interaction with other Midwest turfgrass research programs (Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana):
1. Attend NCERA annual meeting with Midwest turfgrass scientists each June/July.
2. Aid IR-5 activities as needed.
Secondary staff contact for the following Committees:
· Green
· Qualifications: A MS will be required in plant pathology, nematology, mycology, horticulture, agronomy or other closely related plant biology discipline. Ability to work effectively as a team member, self-motivated and possession of excellent written and verbal communication skills are requirements for this position. Experience in writing and strong leadership skills are preferred and expected.
· How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Actual time-frame will be rapid as a new Director of Turfgrass Programs needs to be in place for the 2013 growing season. Electronically submit 1) a cv or resume; 2) three letters of reference; 3) a one page letter of application. Applications can be sent to Dr. Ed Nangle at
· Salary is based on qualifications and experience. Application deadline November 30th, 2013.