With the large increase in job postings, I've put together some stuff to help you decide if one is right for you…
Most places have limited space to put information about a job posting. We all have our own preferences regarding equipment, grinders, benefits etc, things we’re willing to compromise on and others we won’t. I’ve put together a list of stuff to help. Some of it is for deciding whether to send a resumé and some for the interview process. Some things pertain to certain geographical areas; others to certain situations. You obviously won’t need to ask about snowplow duty if you’re thinking of applying for a position in Florida or the Caribbean. Some of it may seem ridiculous, but even in the 21st century the questions still need to be asked. Use the ones that will help get you the information you need…
MONEY
What’s the pay?
Is it hourly or salary?
How much overtime per week?
Is there a 401K or other type retirement plan?
Is there a bonus or profit sharing per year?
TIME
Overtime
Weekends off
Any personal days?
Any sick days?
Any paid holidays? If so, what do I get paid if I work them?
Vacation – how much the 1st year?
Can I roll over any unused days or apply it as comp time; or do I lose it at the end of the calendar year?
When can I take my vacation?
Will I ever be on call for any reason during an off day or vacation day?
AGRONOMIC
Type of grass on greens, tees, fairways and rough
Mowing schedule – how many times per week for each
Aeration & topdressing – how often
Do you know your topdressing threshold?
Walkers or triplexes on greens, tees, approaches?
Are banks/surrounds and rough done with reels/rotaries or both?
Do you want me to grind only or lap?
Are there a lot of tournaments or outings? If so; how many?
How many sprayers?, How old?
Do you overseed?
Is construction and renovation done in-house or contracted out?
DUTIES
Do I have an assistant or no?
Is there any heavy equipment(dozer, backhoe etc.) I maintain?
Are tools provided or do I use my own?
Is there a tool allowance?
Does the club’s insurance policy cover my tools, and if not; will I be compensated for the premium I pay on my own?
Am I responsible for clubhouse, pumphouse or irrigation repairs?
Maintain club cart fleet or no?
Do I work just in the shop or also on the course?
Do I train the crew on the use of equipment?
Do I have the authority to remove a person from using a piece of equipment?
Does the crew speak English?
Do I have snowplow duty in winter?
Do I work on course stuff only, or also on member’s/owner’s stuff?
INSURANCE
Is life insurance available?
Health insurance – how long has the policy been in effect at the club?
How does the policy deal with preexisting conditions?
Are there co-pays or deductibles: if so, how much?
What’s the premium per month?
Can I use my doctor or only theirs?
Dental?
Vision?
Disability?
BUDGET
What’s the course maintenance budget?
The equipment maintenance budget?
The Capital expenditure budget for equipment per year?
Type of ownership – single, member, corporate etc.
Does a management company run things?
Do you lease or own the equipment?
How old is it?
Is there a plan in place for rotation of equipment?
What makes of equipment and how much do you have?
How often are bills paid; promptly or no?
How much is budgeted per year to maintain the maintenance facility?
Can I view the club financials for the past 5 years?
THE SHOP
How many sq.ft. is it? ; How old?
What’s the size of the parts room?
Is there a separate room for painting?
A separate room for grinding?
Is there an exhaust system installed?
Does it have heat, A/C?
Does it have hot & cold running water?
Is there a modern bathroom facility in the shop?
Are the floors in the shop and storage areas concrete; or are some dirt?
Is there an area for a desk, file cabinets and bookcases?
Is the shop used as a storage area each night?
Do I have a computer or access to one, as well as fax machine?
Is there a lift? Hoist? Hyd. Lift table?
How high is the ceiling?
Are there windows or skylights?
What make of grinders do you have; how old are they; and can I do relief on the reels?
Is the reel grinder single-blade or auto-spin?
What type of welder(Mig, Tig, Arc etc.)?
Do you have a plasma cutter?
Is there a tire changer?
Are there plenty of air and electrical outlets throughout the shop?
How much equipment is stored outside all the time?
How big is the oil and lubricant storage area?
What kind of parts washer; solvent or water-based?
How do you recycle equipment fluids?
Are uniforms or coveralls furnished? The club pay for them?
Are association dues, education and the GIS paid for by the club?
Do I get paid time off for education, training and the GIS?
Is there a telephone in the shop area?
Do you use radios, walkie-talkies or cell phones?
Are there up to date repair histories for everything?
Is there a dedicated wash bay inside the shop as well as outside?
Are there spare units available for triplexes and/or fairway units or bank mowers (sand, damage, verticuters, rollers etc.)?
ANOTHER STATE/COUNTRY
Cost of living index for area(you can Google this)
Is housing available at the course?
What’s the median price of a home?
What’s the average rent on a NICE 2br apartment?
Is there an income tax?
Is there a local sales tax? What percent?
Do I get free use of a vehicle?
Any high vehicle registration fees/taxes I need to know about?
What’s a gallon of gas going for?
Do I get free gas?
What’s the average cost of vehicle insurance per year?
Homeowners/Renters insurance premiums per year
Premiums for hurricane and flood insurance per year
Average utility bill per month for the area
Are the interview expenses paid for by the club?
Are moving expenses paid for?
Do I need a Passport or work Visa?
And last, but not least…Why is the position open?
Armed with the answers to all this will help you make a well-informed decision whether to apply for or accept a position if it’s offered to you.
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