Interview done by: Darryl Hunt
Summer Jobs of a Ski Bum.
And yes, Sam is a snowboarder, but I don’t discriminate and neither should you!
- How did you get into your job?
Who do you currently work for and where are you located?
I got into my job as a greenskeeper living in Australia.
I always enjoyed being outdoors and had a love for plants and golfing.
So it just seemed right to take on a job with those 3 elements in it.
I currently work for Redstone Resort in Rossland, BC.
- What kind of experience did you should probably get the job?
How would one go abouts getting the job?
You need a lot of experience to gain the position of Golf Course Superintendent, I have 10 years.
But, to gain employment on a golf course as a greenskeeper or an operator you need little experience.
A position as a greenskeeper however you would need a little more experience.
- How long is your typical work season?
What kind of shifts do you work and what can you expect for days off?
Our typical work season is about 6 months.
It ranges from the end of April through to the start of October, generally ending on Thanksgiving.
As superintendent I work a lot of hours.
Typically five 12 hour days Monday to Friday then also 3-4 hours on a Saturday also.
Greenskeepers and operators work 4.5 days a week for a 40 hour week.
I have two rosters for the crew, half of them work Tuesday to Saturday.
The other half of the crew works Sunday to Thursday.
So each person gets 2.5 days off a week.
Either Friday, Saturday and half day Sunday or half day Saturday, Sunday and Monday off.
Earning his turns in the Red Mountain slackcountry.
Typically local people are employed.
- What kind of money can you expect to make over the season?
Greenskeepers and operators can make good money over the season.
A higher paid greenskeeper can make about $25k and an operator will make around $17k.
- Do you have a winter occupation?
If so, what is it?
Where is home in the winter?
My winter occupation is still with the golf course as superintendent.
Home for the winter is right here in Rossland at Red Mountain Resort.
Sam getting his slash on in blower Kootenay pow.
Or is he working on his swing for the upcoming golf season?
- Take me through a typical day at work.
A typical day at work!
A major daily task is cutting the grass it takes up 80% of the time.
- What kind of people do you usually see as guests/and or co-workers?
Is there a “party culture”, or a more serious work ethic?
Then have a beer.
- What is the “worst” and “best” part of your job?
The early starts are a killer by the end of the week but I really appreciate a sunrise everyday.
Worst part of my job!
That’s a hard one.
- Would you consider your job to have an element of danger?
Is it tough manual labour or chill?
There is an element of danger for sure.
It’s all about minimising that risk though.
Wearing things such as PVC gloves, suits and gum boots and also a full face respirator.
Operators can be in danger.
Redstone Resort is a mountain golf course so it is not flat.
We have alot of large sidehills ranging from 20 degrees to more severe 60 degrees.
Mowing these areas is a little nerv racking for some operators.
Luckily none of those staff members were injured.
A little shook up.
But part of that is just managing the risk.
There is alot of manual labour involved in the job.
But everyone who works their loves it.
Its an outdoors job that keeps you physically fit.
- Do you see your job as a sustainable “career”?
I do see my job as a sustainable career yes.
- Any advice for someone interested in this kind of work?
That’s all for this instalment.
Stay tuned throughout the summer for more interviews with fellow ski bums and their summer jobs.
