I figure there are roughly 10,000 assistant superintendents in the United States. Most of our 16,000 courses have one or two, some have three or four and many have none. It’s long been considered either a fast-track position for a young person climbing the ladder or a comfortable rung for “lifers” who love the work but don’t want the stress or the political hassles of being in the top job.
The 51 individuals selected for the 6th annual John Deere/Bayer Environmental Science Green Start Academy largely fell into the former, rather than latter, category. The cream of the crop from some of America’s best facilities, all seeking a leg up in the process of getting to the top of the ladder. The ambition and earnestness of these men was palpable. But, another emotion simmered just under the surface as well: concern.
Despite the fact that nearly all of them are being groomed by outstanding, successful superintendents to become outstanding, successful superintendents in their own right, there was a sense among them that their drive needs to be tempered with a lot of patience. Great jobs are fewer and farther in between these days and they know it. So, in addition to the traditional steps of interning and getting on board at the right facility with the right mentor, they’re all looking to do special little things like construction projects, blogging, online video resumes and…of course…being selected for the Green Start Academy.
I was fortunate to attend this year’s event and learn first-hand how the best and brightest are trying to separate themselves from the pack, what day-to-day life is like for them and, of course, why Deere and Bayer continue to believe the program is a great investment in the future. Coming soon is a series of four videos we shot during a hectic few days in North Carolina when the students had a chance to teach us about life as an assistant in 2010. Enjoy!