Job Position

Groundskeeper

Groundskeepers maintain the safety, health and appearance of sports fields, parks, golf courses, university grounds and other institutional green spaces. Groundskeepers perform a wide variety of tasks, which may include laying sod, mowing, trimming, planting, fertilizing, digging, raking leaves, removing snow, and field striping for different sports. Groundskeepers also maintain and repair irrigation systems, including spring startup, controller programming and winterization.

Responsibilities

  • Care for grass, ornamental plants, shrubs and trees, including planting, trimming, pruning, mowing, and applying fertilizers and pesticides as needed.
  • Maintain walls, fences, paths, benches and other “hardscape” elements.
  • Maintain irrigation systems, including adjusting watering schedules; inspecting and repairing sprinkler heads, pipes and other components; and winterizing to prevent cracked pipes and other damage during freezing weather.

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma/GED preferred.
  • One to three years grounds maintenance or landscaping experience preferred.
  • Experience operating hand tools, heavy equipment (backhoe, trenchers and front-end loader) and vehicles for grounds maintenance and landscaping activities.

Compensation

  • $20,000 – $35,000*

*Irrigation industry compensation information is based on reporting by Irrigation Association members, industry recruiters, online job postings and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compensation varies by candidate experience and job location. This data is provided for information only and does not represent a guarantee or commitment by the Irrigation Foundation.

Possible career path: Irrigation Technician