Groundskeeper

Career Guide

A Groundskeeper maintains outdoor areas so they stay safe, clean, and attractive. The job includes lawn and landscape care, basic repairs, seasonal tasks like snow removal, and routine equipment use.

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Key Responsibilities

Mow, edge, and trim lawns
Plant, water, and prune trees, shrubs, and flowers
Remove weeds and manage ground cover
Apply fertilizer and soil treatments when directed
Maintain irrigation systems and adjust watering schedules
Collect litter and keep walkways clear
Perform basic outdoor repairs such as fence and sign fixes
Operate and maintain equipment such as mowers and trimmers
Support seasonal work such as leaf cleanup and snow removal
Follow safety procedures and report hazards

Top Skills for Success

Reliability

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Teamwork

Customer Service

Safety Awareness

Equipment Operation

Equipment Maintenance

Lawn Care

Pruning

Irrigation Basics

Pest Identification

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Groundskeeper

Grounds Crew Lead

Landscape Technician

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Transition Opportunities

Landscape Supervisor

Facilities Supervisor

Parks Maintenance Worker

Golf Course Groundskeeper

Arborist Apprentice

Property Maintenance Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Irrigation TroubleshootingSmall Engine RepairPlant Disease RecognitionBasic Landscaping DesignChemical Handling SafetyJob Site Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild strength in one area at a time. Ask to shadow a senior team member on irrigation and repairs, complete short safety courses for chemical handling, and keep a simple weekly log of work completed and issues found to improve consistency and promotion readiness.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 28,000 to 38,000

Mid LevelUSD 38,000 to 50,000

Senior LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is steady across schools, parks, apartments, and commercial properties, with seasonal peaks in spring and summer and stronger needs in regions with heavy snow.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City and county parks departmentsSchool districtsUniversitiesProperty management firmsLandscaping service companiesHotels and resortsSports complexesGolf coursesHospitalsManufacturing campuses

Industry Sectors

Local governmentEducationReal estateHospitalityHealthcareSports and recreationCommercial services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page skills list that highlights equipment you can operate and maintain

Request cross training on irrigation checks and seasonal planning

Complete a safety credential such as OSHA 10 where available

Practice basic preventive maintenance routines for mowers and trimmers

Track outcomes such as reduced call backs and improved site cleanliness

Apply for a crew lead role after demonstrating reliable attendance and strong safety habits