About Viya:

Viya is the UAE’s leading golf and hospitality management group, operating a portfolio of championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, premium leisure and recreation facilities, innovative entertainment concepts, and digital platforms. Since launching Emirates Golf Club in 1988, the region’s first all-grass course, the group has expanded to include Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Topgolf Dubai, Tiger Strikes, and recreation brands such as Viya Fit and Viya Padel.

As part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure, Viya is recognised as a guardian of golfing heritage and a leader in modern hospitality. Its operations are underpinned by the Viya App, a loyalty-driven platform that integrates bookings, rewards, and spendable benefits across the portfolio. Dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Viya connects communities to extraordinary experiences and continues to shape Dubai and the UAE as global destinations for sport, leisure, and lifestyle.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position                     :            Assistant in Training (AIT)

Department               :           Golf Course Maintenance

Report  To                 :            Golf Course Superintendent; Assistant GCS

Location                     :            Jumeirah Golf Estates

Contract Duration :              18 Month Structured Development Program

Purpose and Scope of Position:

(Job Summary)

• The Assistant in Training (AIT) program has been designed to identify, develop and prepare high potential individuals for future leadership roles within golf course maintenance operations.
• Working alongside the Golf Course Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents and experienced members of the maintenance team, the AIT will undertake a comprehensive 18 months development program covering all aspects of golf course management.  The program combines practical experience, technical instruction, project leadership and professional development to provide the skills necessary to process towards an Assistant Superintendent position.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm for learning, strong work ethics, leadership potential and a genuine passion for golf course management and turfgrass science.

1. Keys Responsibilities / Operational Responsibilities

The AIT will actively participate in the daily operation and presentation of the golf course including but not limited to:

1. 1. Greens, tees and fairway preparation.
   2. Bunker maintenance and detailing.
   3. Turf mowing and cultural practices.
   4. Irrigation inspections and repairs.
   5. Equipment Operational and Maintenance.
   6. Landscape and horticultural tasks.
   7. Tournament preparation activities.
   8. Participation in aeration and renovation programs.
   9.  Assisting with environmental and sustainability initiatives.

2.  Training and Development Ojectives.

The AIT program is structured across six development phrases.

Phase 1: Orientation and Fundamentals ( Month 1-3)

The AIT will develop on understanding of :

• Golf course design and layout.
• Playing surfaces and their characteristics.
• Turfgrass species utilized throughout the facility.
• Basic soil science principles.
• Plant physiology and turf growth cycles.
• Daily maintenance procedures.
• Safe operation of maintenance equipment/
• Equipment care and troubleshooting.
• Standard operating procedures and workplace safety.

Phase 2 :  Intermediate Agronomy and Team Integration ( Month 4-6)

      The AIT will gain knowledge and experience in:

• Turfgrass pest identification.
• Disease recognition and prevention.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Fertiliser programs and application methods.
• Irrigation system components and operation.
• Water management strategies.
• Irrigation troubleshooting.
• Effective communication skills.
• Team collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Participation in departmental meetings.

      Phase 3 : Specialised Turf Management (Month 7-9)

      The AIT will be exposed to :

• Aeration techniques and objectives.
• Topdressing programs.
• Verticutting and grooming practices.
• Overseeding methodologies.
• Seasonal turf transitions.
• Bunker construction principles.
• Bunker maintenance and repair techniques.
• Managing turf stress during peak playing periods.
• Course preparation for varying seasonal conditions.

     Phase 4: Leadership and project Management (Months 10-12)

     The AIT will begin in developing leadership capabilities through:

• Supervising small teams.
• Delegating daily tasks.
• Monitoring work quality.
• Providing constructive feedback.
• Leading routine maintenance activities.
• Planning and delivering small improvement projects.
• Resource allocation.
• Monitoring projects progress.
• Evaluating project outcomes.

    Phase 5: Administration and Budget Management ( Month 13-15)

    The AIT will gain exposure to the administrative aspects of golf course management, including:

• Maintenance budgeting principles.
• Cost control strategies.
• Financial awareness.
• Record keeping and documentation.
• Use of maintenance management systems.
• Inventory tracking.
• Procurement processes.
• Environmental stewardship.
• Understanding applicable regulations and compliance requirements.

  Phase 6: Advance Agronomy and integration (Month 16-18)

  The final phase of development will focus on independent decision-making and leadership through:

• Advance pest and disease management.
• Soil testing and interpretation.
• Sustainable turf management practices.
• Development of agronomic recommendations,
• Managing a designated area of the golf course.
• Leading seasonal programs and projects.
• Developing comprehensive maintenance plan.
• Demonstrating readiness for future supervisory responsibilities.

  Final Programme Evaluation

  Successful completion of the program requires:

• Achievement of phase learning objectives.
• Satisfactory performance evaluations throughout the program.
• Demonstration of leadership competencies.
• Completion and presentation of a final project or course improvement initiative,
• Positive assessment by the Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents.

Graduates of the program will be recognized internally as having successfully completed the Assistant in Training Programme and will be considered for future advance opportunities within golf course management.

Continuous Professional Development

Throughout the program, the AIT will be encouraged and supported to:

• Attend internal and external training workshops.
• Participate in industry seminars and educational events.
• Network with industry professionals.
• Engage with professional associations.
• Research emerging technologies and best practices.
• Pursue on going self-development with in the turfgrass industry.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• On pathway to acquire an equivalent qualification in Turfgrass Management,

Agriculture, Horticulture, Sports Turf, Plant Science , or a related discipline; or

• Demonstrated experience with golf course maintenance with aspirations to progress into management.
• Strong communication skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holiday as operationally requires.
• Valid driving license (preferred).

Desirable:

• Previous golf course maintenance experience.
• Understanding of warm -season turfgrass management.
• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems.
• Experience operating turf maintenance equipment.
• First Aid certification.
• Pesticide application certification (where applicable)

Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Integrity and professionalism.
• Leadership potential.
• Accountability.
• Attention to details.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Problem solving ability
• Adaptability.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Initiative and self-motivation.
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Passion for excellence in golf course presentation.

Physical requirements.

The role requires the ability to:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including high temperatures.
• Stand, walk and remain active for extended periods.
• Lift and carry materials and equipment in accordance with safe working practices.
• Operate golf course maintenance machinery safety and effectively.
• Perform physically demanding tasks associated with golf course maintenance operations.

Career Progression

The Assistant in Training program has been specially developed as a pathway towards future supervisory and management roles within Jumeirah Golf Estates and wider golf industry.  Successful graduates may progress into positions such as:

• Assistant Superintendent.
• Senior Assistant Superintendent.
• Golf course Superintendent.
• Director of Agronomy.

Jumeirah Golf Estates is committed to developing future leaders through structured education, practical experience and mentorships, providing ambitious individuals with the opportunity to build rewarding careers within the golf course management profession.

Id.No. - _______________________________

Name –  ______________________________

Signature - ____________________________

Approved by:

____________________________________

 Golf Course Superintendent

Date: ____________________________

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Viya is proud to have a thriving, multicultural workforce representing over 80 nationalities, including both Emiratis and expatriates, who bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to our organisation. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a culture built on teamwork, passion, and excellence, where every individual is encouraged to grow and contribute to our shared success.