The golf course maintenance industry is finding it very difficult to find employees to do the work needed to maintain a golf course. Just like so many other industries, finding individuals willing to do actual work to make money has become increasingly hard over the last several years. Clearly the pandemic has amplified the issue, with so many people simply leaving the work force. Hopefully, this is just a cycle, and it will self correct over time.
Over the last decade, the opportunities to make money by doing things that do not require physical labor have grown exponentially. Jobs that never existed have been created allowing a person to have more flexibility in work schedule, providing a freedom to work when you want. Ten years ago, we didn't have Uber/Lyft, DoorDash, gamers, TicToc, Professional YouTubers, or Social Medial Influencers. It would be interesting to know how many people are making a living doing this type of work, and are no longer willing to do physical labor to earn a paycheck.
I understand that a parent always wants more for the children that they raise. But as a result of this, parents are not teaching children the value of a strong work ethic. Historically, society has always expected that the work force would need to put in the time and work before the fruits of ones efforts would pay off. Today society is doing all it can to skip the time and hard work and just get to the leisure and luxury of life that was always earned over time.
Over the 25 years that I have been a Golf Course Superintendent, my staff has generally consisted of a combination of young adults, and retired individuals. The majority of the physical labor has been done by the young adults, and equipment operating was done by the retired staff members. Today, I am seeing fewer and fewer applications from the younger generation. Those young adults that do apply are more interested in being paid to be on their phone than to do actual work. I have had a motto for many years, about the young adults that I hire; "My goal is to make you a better employee for your next employer". I try to teach them the basic responsibilities of work. It seems to me that parents too frequently have not taught their children the basic responsibilities of work.
Nearly 17 years ago, I took part in a roundtable discussion about robotic mowers. At that time, I didn't see a future for such things. Today, they can't get here soon enough. A lack of workers will inevitably lead to a reduction in the need for workers.
All of this is simply my opinion from observations over the years. I do not intend for my opinions to be a blanket statement of fact, but more generalities. I know that there are exceptions to everything I have said, and if you are that exception, I mean no offence and I thank you.
With all of that being said, the golf course will be filling positions this spring in most of our departments; outside services including volunteers, food and beverage, as well as maintenance. If you or someone you know is interested in working, our application can be found at the link below.
https://www.orion-mgmt.com/contact/employment-application
Completed applications can be dropped off at the pro shop.
