Groundskeeper II Job Description
A groundskeeper is in charge of the maintenance of grass, trees, shrubs, sod and flowers. She may only care for existing foliage or have the authority to grow new plants and trees. In some cases, a groundskeeper's job extends to clearing leaves, snow and dead plants from the property in her charge.
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Skill Requirements
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A person with this job needs skills in nurturing plants, as well as identifying and curing plant diseases. Her observation skills need to be sharp to quickly spot abnormalities on plants and take steps to eradicate them before they destroy the plant or spread to other foliage. Organizational skills are required to create and follow detailed and regularly scheduled care, feeding and treatment plans. Expertise in irrigation systems is expected, as well as skills in using hand and power grounds maintenance tools.
Job Duties
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The main duty of a groundskeeper is to keep lawns, gardens and other outside areas healthy and visually appealing. She is expected have knowledge of a geographic region's climate, soil content and potential foliage risks, such as insect infestation or frosts to properly care for the grounds. She may also be required to keep an outdoor area's furnishings or decorations clean and attractive. In some organizations, a groundskeeper can advance to the position of groundskeeper II. This promotion gives the groundskeeper the authority to direct and supervise the less experienced groundskeepers on staff.
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Working Conditions
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Although most jobs in this category require the groundskeeper to be outdoors for most of her workday, her work environment can vary significantly in other ways. She may work in a peaceful atmosphere like a golf course, cemetery or vacant sports field or perform her tasks in a noisy, populated venue like a public park or playground. Her work may be performed in structured surroundings like an arboretum, conservatory or botanical garden, or she may be in charge of a sod farm and work in an open, airy pastoral setting. Some groundskeepers are self-employed and work in a wide range of environments. Regardless of her surroundings, a groundskeeper must be able-bodied, proficient in using gardening and maintenance tools and required to work in all types of weather.
Educational Requirements
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There are normally no educational requirements for this job. Employers generally prefer applicants who have taken courses in horticulture, botany, biology or other plant and gardening related fields. Education gained through work experience in a plant or agricultural setting is generally considered as asset for groundskeeper job seekers.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
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In large organizations with multiple grounds to be maintained, a groundskeeper may have opportunities to be promoted to a supervisory or management position. Career growth at smaller companies is typically limited. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary in the United States for a groundskeeper in 2009 was $27,360.
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References
- Photo Credit botanical gardens in madrid image by Andrew Buckin from Fotolia.com
