Head Pickleball Professional—Full-Time, Seasonal (October 14, 2024 -May 31, 2025) - Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is a private member-owned Club, recognized as a Distinguished Clubâ„¢ and designated as a Platinum Club of America. Located in the Town of Orchid, Florida, just north of Vero Beach, this community is beautifully situated on 600 acres from the ocean to the river. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club offers the best of life in Vero Beach-three spectacular dining venues, over a mile of private beach, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, spa, and an outstanding Arnold Palmer designed golf course.

Orchid Island Racquet Sports Facilities

The Club has eight sub-surface Har-Tru tennis courts (two courts are lighted), including one exhibition court. The club recently finished a multi-million-dollar sports complex including 6 state of the art pickleball courts, 2 bocce lanes, a croquet lawn, and full-service social pavilion. The Orchid Island Racquet Sports facilities also include a high-volume pro shop and fitness center.

Position Overview

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is seeking an exceptional individual to support the Director of Racquets in managing all facets of the Orchid Island Pickleball Program from October 14, 2024 through May 31, 2025. This position also interfaces with our Croquet and Bocce programs and will lead beginner and introductory clinics in both. This opportunity arises as our previous Head Pickleball Professional has recently accepted a notable Director position following consecutive, successful seasons at Orchid Island.

The role involves assisting in the organization of club pickleball activities, including events, exhibitions, tournaments, mixers, team matches and lessons. Additionally, this position includes occasional support in the daily maintenance of pickleball courts and surrounding clubhouse areas, as well as assisting with pro shop desk duties, merchandising, and product sales.

A key responsibility is to take ownership of the newly formed Island Pickleball League that hosts interclub play. The ideal candidate will be confident in leading large pickleball team practices, communicating with members, able to command attention while maintaining respect, and dedicated to prioritizing exceptional Member Service above all else.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following, but not limited to:

• Give lessons and clinics to members and guests on the techniques and strategies of pickleball under the guidance of the Director of Racquets.
• Rate Members on level and skill ability.
• Manage the Island Pickleball League and input scores, contact team captains and manage match day operations.
• Offer introductory croquet and bocce clinics and manage events (Bocce & Brews, Wine & Wickets).
• Evaluate Pickleball Open Play sessions and ensure members are placed in the appropriate skill range.
• Greet and provide service to members when inside and on duty. This includes pro shop sales, front desk duties, game arranging, phone calls and computer work to assist in the overall success of the pickleball program.
• Watch and critique matches and attend away matches when possible.
• Work with the Lead Tennis Professional to staff clinics and ensure the proper professional to member ratio is adequate.
• Assist in the organization of all Club tournaments and events.
• Share court maintenance daily duties and assume all responsibilities on facility manager's days off including, but not limited to:
  • Refill tennis two steps
  • Brush courts
  • Clean units
  • Perform closing duties, umbrellas, chairs health bar, and putts lesson balls and ball machines away as well as groom courts if time permits.

Qualifications and Special Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Sports Management, or closely related field, preferred.
• 5+ DUPR rating or skill level.
• RSPA or PTR certification preferred.
• Two to three years competitive playing experience and/or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of pickleball governing bodies such as PPA, APP, USAP.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Able to meet and perform physical requirements and to work effectively in an environment which is typical of this position.
• Ability to control natural swing speed during instruction or matches with inexperienced players.
• Sufficient stamina to tolerate hot and humid outdoor weather for several consecutive hours
• Continuous standing, walking, running, bending, stooping and repetitive actions.
• Frequent use of light machinery and hand-held tools.
• Frequent lifting and moving objects.
• Requires regular in-person attendance.

Compensation/Benefits

• Guaranteed hourly wage plus percentage of lessons/clinics/special events; at least 40 hours a week.
• Housing is available.
• Health insurance.
• 401(k) plan participation available, after eligibility period.
• Meals on duty.
• Uniform allowance.
• Ability to learn and grow with a top 150 Platinum racquets operation.