Groundskeeper
Career GuideKey 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
1
Create a one page skills list that highlights equipment you can operate and maintain2
Request cross training on irrigation checks and seasonal planning3
Complete a safety credential such as OSHA 10 where available4
Practice basic preventive maintenance routines for mowers and trimmers5
Track outcomes such as reduced call backs and improved site cleanliness6
Apply for a crew lead role after demonstrating reliable attendance and strong safety habits