Groundsman Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the world of landscape and turf management, the role of a groundsman is pivotal.

As environmental consciousness grows, and the aesthetic appeal of green spaces increases, the demand for skilled individuals who can maintain, improve, and protect our outdoor areas continues to rise.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a groundsman?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of grounds maintenance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable groundsman job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Groundsman Duties and Responsibilities

Groundsmen perform a variety of tasks related to maintaining and improving the aesthetics and safety of outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, sports fields, and other landscape areas.

Groundsmen have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform regular maintenance tasks such as mowing lawns, pruning trees and shrubs, and watering plants
• Inspect the grounds regularly for potential safety hazards and perform necessary repairs or improvements
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, tractors, and pruning tools
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides as per the requirement
• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance procedures on equipment utilized in groundskeeping
• Install, maintain and repair irrigation systems to ensure efficient watering of grounds
• Assist in landscaping designs and installation of new features such as flower beds, rock gardens or water features
• Handle trash removal and external maintenance duties such as maintaining streetlights and outdoor signs
• Work closely with other maintenance staff or contractors to ensure the overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the grounds

 

Groundsman Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Groundsman to maintain our outdoor green spaces.

The Groundsman’s responsibilities include maintaining landscapes, caring for plants and trees, operating and maintaining gardening equipment, and ensuring all outdoor areas are clean and well-organized.

Our ideal candidate has a green thumb and is knowledgeable about various types of plants and trees.

He/she should also have good physical stamina as this job requires a lot of manual labor.

Ultimately, the role of the Groundsman is to provide a beautiful and safe environment for both employees and visitors.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve landscape areas by trimming, mowing, and fertilizing plants and trees
• Operate and maintain gardening equipment and tools
• Inspect outdoor areas regularly for potential hazards or issues
• Perform basic repair and maintenance tasks
• Ensure outdoor furniture and decorations are clean and well-arranged
• Assist in planning and executing landscaping projects
• Apply pesticides to manage plant diseases and pests
• Dispose of waste and debris properly to maintain clean outdoor areas

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Groundsman or similar role
• Knowledge of horticulture and landscaping
• Ability to operate and maintain gardening equipment and tools
• Physical stamina and dexterity
• Attention to detail
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Work in a beautiful outdoor environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Groundsman
• Work Environment: Outdoor setting in various weather conditions. Physical work involved.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Groundskeeper Supervisor or Facility Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $31,000 minimum to $49,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Groundsman Do?

A Groundsman, also known as a Groundskeeper, typically works for organizations with large outdoor areas such as sports stadiums, universities, parks, cemeteries, golf courses, and gardens.

Their main responsibility is to maintain the outdoor areas and landscapes clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

This includes tasks like mowing the grass, trimming trees and shrubs, planting flowers, maintaining gardens, and clearing debris.

Groundsmen also take care of outdoor facilities and equipment.

They may be required to repair outdoor furniture, fences, and walkways, as well as maintaining and repairing gardening tools and equipment.

In sports grounds, a groundsman will also be involved in preparing the pitch for sporting events.

This can include tasks such as marking lines, erecting goal posts, and ensuring the surface is safe and suitable for play.

Additionally, they may be responsible for managing irrigation systems, applying fertilizers or pesticides, and ensuring that the grounds are free from harmful insects and diseases.

Groundsmen often work in a team, under the supervision of a head groundsman or a landscape manager.

They often work in all weather conditions and their work can be physically demanding.

In some cases, the job may require specialized knowledge about specific types of plants, turf management, or soil health.

Therefore, a good understanding of horticulture can be beneficial for this role.

 

Groundsman Qualifications and Skills

A competent groundsman should possess the skills and qualifications required to maintain and manage the grounds effectively, such as:

• Practical skills for carrying out manual work, including using a range of tools and equipment for ground maintenance.
• Knowledge of plant care and the ability to identify various types of plants, weeds, and pests.
• Attention to detail for ensuring grounds and facilities are kept clean, tidy, and well-maintained at all times.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, and physical stamina to carry out strenuous tasks.
• Basic problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues related to ground maintenance.
• Teamwork skills to work collaboratively with other ground staff and coordinate tasks efficiently.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Effective communication skills to interact with team members, supervisors, and other relevant parties.
• Ability to operate and maintain machinery used for ground maintenance, such as mowers and trimmers.

 

Groundsman Experience Requirements

Groundsmen typically require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or a related field.

This experience can often be gained through part-time jobs, internships, or vocational school programs focused on horticulture or landscape maintenance.

For those seeking an entry-level position, having experience with basic groundskeeping tasks such as mowing, pruning, and fertilizing is often sufficient.

Familiarity with the tools and equipment used in groundskeeping, including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers, is also typically required.

Groundsmen with more than 3 years of experience often have developed specialized skills such as tree care, irrigation system maintenance, or sports field management.

This level of experience may qualify them for advanced roles or supervisory positions within a groundskeeping team.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have significant leadership and project management experience, making them suitable candidates for positions such as head groundsman or grounds maintenance manager.

At this level, experience with staff supervision, budgeting, and coordinating with vendors or contractors is often necessary.

 

Groundsman Education and Training Requirements

To become a groundsman, no formal education is typically required, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training is often provided to familiarize groundsmen with the techniques, tools, and equipment used in their role.

This training may cover a wide range of topics, from basic landscaping techniques to the operation of heavy machinery.

For those wishing to advance their skills, there are vocational schools and community colleges that offer courses in horticulture and landscaping.

These programs can provide a more in-depth understanding of plant life, soil management, landscape design, and pest control.

Certain roles may require certifications.

For instance, a groundsman working around power lines may need a certification in electrical safety.

Furthermore, groundsmen who wish to advance to roles such as arborist or landscape manager may benefit from pursuing further education and certification in their areas of interest.

Overall, a groundsman must have physical stamina, a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and a strong understanding of safety protocols.

Continuous learning and skill development are also highly beneficial in this role.

 

Groundsman Salary Expectations

A Groundsman earns an average wage of $15.36 (USD) per hour.

The exact earnings can differ based on the individual’s experience, the location of employment, and the specific company that they work for.

 

Groundsman Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Groundsman need?

A Groundsman needs to possess a variety of skills including a working knowledge of landscaping and gardening techniques, the ability to operate and maintain tools and machinery, physical stamina for labor-intensive tasks, and keen attention to detail.

They should also be able to work independently or as part of a team, have good time management skills, and be able to troubleshoot problems as they arise.

 

Do groundsmen need formal education?

Groundsmen typically don’t need a formal degree, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Additionally, experience or training in areas like horticulture, landscaping, or arboriculture can be advantageous.

Some groundsmen may also possess certifications in pesticide application or other specialized areas of grounds maintenance.

 

What should you look for in a Groundsman resume?

A Groundsman resume should highlight relevant work experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance.

It should also mention any knowledge or training in areas such as horticulture, tree care, or pest management.

Familiarity with operating and maintaining various types of groundskeeping equipment is also a plus.

Look for resumes that demonstrate physical fitness and a willingness to work in various weather conditions, as these are crucial aspects of the role.

 

What qualities make a good Groundsman?

A good Groundsman is hardworking, reliable, and has a strong attention to detail.

They should be physically fit to handle the manual labor and be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Patience and a love for nature are also important, as much of the work involves nurturing plants and maintaining green spaces.

Additionally, they should be able to follow instructions closely and work well as part of a team.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Groundsman?

Hiring a Groundsman can be challenging due to the physical demands and skill set required for the job.

It’s important to provide a detailed job description to attract candidates who are physically fit and have a genuine interest in landscaping and grounds maintenance.

Offering competitive wages and benefits can also make the position more appealing to potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a groundsman.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about maintaining lawns.

It’s about nurturing the green tapestry of our environment, one blade of grass at a time.

Armed with our indispensable groundsman job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every blade of grass is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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