Director of Grounds
Richmond Farm
Richmond Farm, a distinguished private family estate in Ligonier, PA, seeks a proven leader to oversee the care and presentation of its expansive grounds. The nearly 500-acre property has been privately owned and managed for over 50 years for the exclusive benefit of family members to enjoy.
This role requires a unique blend of agronomic expertise, horticultural excellence, and hospitality-driven service, ensuring the property is maintained at the highest quality standards for daily enjoyment as well as for special family events.
The experienced individual will be responsible for a 3-hole golf course with multiple tee sets to ensure optimal playing condition standards are consistently met, along with maintaining a number of private yards, gardens, natural landscapes, water features, outdoor common amenities, and specialized turf areas.
The director of grounds will be an essential member of a team that pride themselves on working together to create a healthy work environment… where team members support each other, are valued for their contributions, and are justly rewarded for a job well done.
The summer season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, but with weekend usage throughout the tri-season months. It is expected the director of grounds understands high level presentation, attention to detail, project management, and agronomic practices reflective of top tier amenities in a picturesque country setting.
Position highlights:
● Currently 4 members on the Golf course and grounds team
● Recently completed an entire green and tee box restoration
Success Traits of the Individual:
● Agronomic Mastery: Maintains lawns, gardens, and natural areas at the highest horticultural and turf standards.
● Hospitality-Driven Mindset: Anticipates family and event needs while keeping grounds guest-ready.
● Discretion and Professionalism: Operates with confidentiality, respect, and a service-first approach.
● Hands-On Leadership: Leads and mentors while staying visible, engaged in operations, and always willing to lend a helping hand as a positive role model.
● Strategic Thinking: Works with the General Manager and team to plan and execute property improvements with long-term vision.
● Operational and Financial Acumen: Works with the General Manager to prepare annual operational budget plans including managing and maintaining equipment, identifying capital project needs, and establishing strong vendor relationships.
● Attention to Detail: Ensures every area of the property meets high quality presentation standards.
● Resilience and Adaptability: Adjusts quickly to seasonal changes, weather, and last-minute demands.
● Sustainability and Stewardship: Implements eco-friendly practices that preserve the property long-term.
● Relationship Building: Collaborates effectively with staff, vendors, and family members.
Key Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Other Traits
● Agronomy & Horticulture Excellence
○ Direct all turf, ornamental, and natural area programs, ensuring optimal soil health, plant vitality, and turfgrass performance.
○ Implement sustainable practices including precision irrigation, integrated pest management, and ecological stewardship.
○ Apply best-in-class golf course, estate, and high-end landscape maintenance standards.
● Hospitality & Service
○ Anticipate estate needs tied to family use, entertaining, and special events; ensure flawless grounds presentation.
○ Collaborate with household and hospitality staff to deliver seamless guest experiences.
○ Provide flexible, discreet support for seasonal and event-driven requests.
● Leadership & Operations
○ Lead and mentor the grounds team (up to 6 individuals), fostering a culture of pride, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
○ Establish standards of performance, safety, and accountability across all operations.
○ Collaborates with other departments of private estate
○ Oversee equipment, irrigation systems, and infrastructure maintenance.
● Strategic & Capital Projects
○ Works with the General Manager to plan and execute improvements to the property's landscapes, turf areas, drainage, and outdoor amenities.
○ Manage vendor relationships and contractors to deliver projects on time, meet budget requirements, and to specification.
○ Present recommendations to the General Manager that enhance beauty, sustainability, and long-term value.
Qualifications
● 8–10+ years of progressive experience in grounds, agronomy, turf, or horticultural management; private estate, golf course, or luxury property experience strongly preferred.
● Certificate, Associate’s, Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management, horticulture, agronomy, or related discipline; advanced certifications desirable.
● Deep knowledge of turfgrass science, soil health, irrigation technology, arboriculture, and landscape design principles.
● Strong leadership skills with proven ability to recruit, train, and retain high-performing teams.
● Exceptional attention to detail, discretion, and service orientation.
● Ability to balance hands-on fieldwork with strategic planning and oversight.
Compensation & Benefits
● Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000
● Bonus potential
● Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 Days Annual with Carry Over Time into Following Year
● Eligible for Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
● Paid Holidays: 8 - New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 1 floater
● Life insurance: One times annual wages up to $50,000
● Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
● No disability
● 401K with company match
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a detailed cover letter and resume as one PDF addressed to Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, through the Bloom Golf Partners website:
www.bloomgolfpartners.com
Candidate interviews are anticipated to take place by the first week of November.
