Mel Waldron, Golf Course Superintendent

Mel has worked for the City since 2004.

What’s something you’ve learned since working for the City?

I have learned a lot about my job, because of the educational opportunities I’ve been able to take, and also the encouragement to try new ideas to make improvements without a fear of failure. I have also learned a lot about how government works, at least here on the local level. 

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy providing a product (the golf course) for our customers, while maintenance is sometimes seen as producing a product, (which it is). I also try to look at it as a customer service as well. 

What’s the hardest part of your job? 

Dealing with the weather. It can ruin a well-planned day or week. I’ve learned all these many years in this business that Mother Nature will usually be the winner. 

What’s the best part of your job?

While seeing golfers and getting feedback is nice, the best part of the job is being out on the golf course early in the morning before the golfers get here, or coming back in the early evening, to set irrigation. We see deer, turkeys, hawks, turtles, rabbits, and other wildlife. 

What do you admire about this organization?

Two things: the encouragement to maintain my professional certifications through continuing education, and the many opportunities for employees to come together, whether it is things like the employee picnic, the supervisors meetings, and CAmP where employees can learn about other departments, (I guess I need to sign up one of these days). I have had co-workers share their excitement for this program.