Groundskeeper

Groundskeepers maintain facilities such as golf courses, parks, athletic tracks and other large sports grounds. They are responsible for keeping the turf field in tip-top condition, as well as looking after the rest of the grounds, where they do similar tasks to gardeners, or else supervise others doing these duties.

Duties of groundskeepers include the following: supervision of regular mowing, fertilising and aeration of fields; application of chemicals and fungicides to control weeds and crabgrass and to prevent diseases; and ensuring that the underlying soil has the proper consistency to sustain new sod. Groundskeepers also mark out boundaries and paint team logos and names on the turf before sporting events.

They need to have thorough knowledge of aspects such as soil erosion and pest and disease control. Some groundskeepers are also responsible for keeping machinery in working order, so some knowledge of mechanics is useful.

Personal Requirements

willing to work outdoors in all types of weather
good health and physical fitness
supervisory and organisational abilities
good interpersonal skills
reliable, hardworking and honest
knowledge of grasses and the structure of sports fields and pitches
some mechanical ability
able to operate machines such as lawnmowers and brush cutters

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

No specific requirements

What to Study

Groundskeepers are usually trained by their first employers to meet specific requirements and learn by experience, sometimes under the guidance of a senior groundskeeper.

Employment