Job Summary: Golf Maintenance Worker (Seasonal)

The City of Colorado Springs is seeking Golf Maintenance Workers for the 2026 season (April – October). This is a vital physical role within the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services department, supporting two of the city’s premier public courses: Patty Jewett and Valley Hi. As a “Turf Technician,” you are responsible for the aesthetic and functional health of the course, from the precision mowing of poa annua greens to the heavy-duty repair of underground irrigation lines. This position offers a unique “office” with views of Pikes Peak and is ideal for early risers who enjoy physical labor and the outdoors.

Key Responsibilities

Turf Management: Operate a variety of specialized equipment including riding and hand mowers, weed eaters, and edgers to maintain greens, fairways, and roughs.
Course Setup: Perform daily setup tasks such as changing putting green cups and top-dressing turf areas with sand/soil mixtures.
Irrigation Repair: Dig up and repair irrigation lines (up to 4 feet deep) and replace sprinklers to ensure consistent water distribution.
Chemical Application: Apply fertilizers and other turf treatments using walk-behind spreaders over long distances.
Facility Upkeep: Maintain the driving range, clubhouse grounds, and restrooms; ensure all trash receptacles are emptied and hauled.
Equipment Care: Clean and fuel all utility vehicles and mowers after each shift, reporting any mechanical issues to the maintenance shop.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Tool Proficiency: Knowledge of both power and hand tools (blowers, chain saws, shovels, post-hole diggers).
Physical Stamina: Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds with assistance; ability to bend, crawl, and kneel daily.
Communication: Ability to follow oral instructions and work courteously around the public and other staff members.
Professionalism: Understanding of basic golf etiquette (e.g., when to stop equipment for players) and a commitment to high-level customer service.

Work Environment & Locations

Location	Notable Characteristics
Patty Jewett Golf Course	Built in 1898; one of the oldest courses in the West. Features poa annua greens and century-old tree canopies.
Valley Hi Golf Course	Opened in 1954; known for its open layout and panoramic views of the Front Range.

Schedule: Typically Monday – Friday (5:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.). You must be willing to work early mornings, some weekends, and holidays.
Environment: Entirely outdoors; you will be exposed to all Colorado weather conditions, including rain, wind, and heat.

Market & Industry Context: Golf Maintenance 2026

Sustainability Focus: In 2026, the City of Colorado Springs has prioritized the Audubon Sanctuary Program at its courses. Maintenance workers are now trained in integrated pest management and water conservation techniques to protect local biodiversity.
Pay Trends: For the 2026 season, the pay range for this role is approximately $15.16 – $23.94 per hour (Lead pay varies DOE). This aligns with the rising demand for skilled groundskeepers in the high-growth Colorado market.
Horticultural Tech: The city has increasingly adopted smart irrigation controllers. While you may still be “digging lines,” your troubleshooting will often involve interacting with digital moisture sensors and remote valves.

Compensation & Benefits (Seasonal)

While this is an “at-will” seasonal role limited to 1,500 hours annually, it provides essential public employee benefits:

Retirement: Mandatory enrollment in PERA (Public Employees’ Retirement Association).
Legal Protections: Coverage under Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance.
Health: Medicare contributions.
Perks: Many seasonal employees enjoy the unique perk of working in some of the city’s most beautiful historic landscapes.

Interview & Application Insights

The Early Bird Test: Since shifts start at 5:00 a.m., emphasize your reliability and history of punctuality in early-morning roles.
Safety First: Be prepared to discuss how you safely operate heavy machinery around the public and navigate the physical risks of the job (e.g., proper lifting techniques).

Golf Knowledge: If you aren’t a golfer, take a moment to learn basic “course flow”—knowing where a golfer is likely to hit their ball is a safety requirement for maintenance staff.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	City of Colorado Springs (Parks, Rec & Cultural Services)
Location	Patty Jewett Golf Course or Valley Hi Golf Course
Duration	Seasonal (Approx. April – October)
Max Hours	1,500 annually
Schedule	Typically M–F, 05:00 a.m. – 02:30 p.m. (Inc. weekends/holidays)

Turf Management & Facility Operations

As a Golf Maintenance Worker, you are the backbone of the course’s “playability.” Your shift begins before sunrise to ensure the greens and fairways are pristine before the first tee time.

Functional Area	Actionable Tasks
Turf Care	Operating riding/hand mowers, weed eaters, and edgers; applying fertilizer using walk-behind spreaders.
Course Setup	Changing putting green cups and top-dressing turf areas; maintaining the driving range.
Irrigation	Repairing lines by digging (up to 4 feet deep) and replacing pipes/sprinkler heads.
Logistics	Loading/unloading sand, dirt, and mower baskets; fueling and cleaning all power equipment.
Sanitation	Cleaning clubhouse facilities/restrooms and managing trash collection across the course.

Mandatory Qualifications & Physical Standards

Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with power tools (blowers, chain saws) and hand tools (shovels, post-hole diggers).
Etiquette: Must demonstrate knowledge of golf etiquette to work around the public safely and courteously.
Communication: Ability to follow oral instructions and provide basic customer service to golfers.
Physicality: * Ability to lift 50 lbs frequently and 100 lbs (with help) occasionally.
- High stamina for walking long distances behind spreaders/mowers.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions and around noisy equipment daily.

Total Rewards & Government Benefits

While this is an “at-will” seasonal role, it includes specific public-sector protections and retirement contributions:

PERA: Participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement Association of Colorado.
Insurance: Coverage under Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance.
Schedule: Provides a consistent “early bird” schedule, leaving afternoons free.
Environment: Opportunity to work outdoors at some of the most historic municipal courses in the region (Patty Jewett was established in 1898).

Comparison: Colorado Springs Seasonal & Outdoor Roles

Metric	City Golf Maintenance	USPS City Carrier (CCA)	Aya Travel PT (Outpatient)
Shift Start	05:00 a.m.	~07:00 – 08:00 a.m.	07:00 a.m.
Environment	Golf Course / Outdoor	City Routes / Outdoor	Clinical / Indoor
Employment	Seasonal (April–Oct)	360-Day Contract	13-Week Contract
Physical Req.	High (Digging/Mowing)	High (Walking/Lifting)	Moderate (Therapy)
Public Interaction	Minimal/Courtesy	Moderate/Daily	High/Clinical

To apply for this job please visit coloradosprings.gov.