Hire a Groundskeeper
For business owners, it helps make a great first impression when customers see their space as well-kept, organized, and maintained. Outdoor spaces, gardens, storefront, lawns, shrubs, and plants are one of the first things that people see in a venue. A beautiful space is pleasing to the eyes while an unkempt one spells otherwise. Gardeners are the professionals who care for a property’s grounds.
Groundskeepers are patient, nature-loving individuals who love the outdoors. They perform maintenance work of a property’s grounds, outdoor space, and other common areas. They work in public or private parks, schools, universities, sporting venues, and any business with landscaping maintenance needs.
Groundskeepers work under the supervision of a landscape architect. They commonly work full-time and spend most of their day outside. As such, they are exposed to different weather conditions. From the sweltering heat, gusting winds, and strong rains, Groundskeepers endure them all and work efficiently. Work can be quite labor-intensive and manual.
Before making a job announcement, hiring managers first create a job description. A well-written job description will attract ideal candidates. Listing the responsibilities and requirements accurately in an easy to understand manner will encourage interested applicants to apply. Consider including some interesting facts and benefits about working for the hiring company.
Responsibilities of a Groundskeeper
The primary goal of groundskeepers is to keep lawns, trees, plants, shrubs, and all landscape elements healthy and beautiful. With their expertise in plants, they maintain fields, trim grass, and fertilize plants and flowerbeds. If required, they use insecticides and sprays to treat plant diseases.
Groundskeepers use different hand tools like trowels, shovels, rakes, trimmers, and axes. Examples of more complex groundskeeping equipment are tractors, riding lawn mowers, and trucks. Additionally, groundskeepers keep outdoor areas clean by picking up debris and trash on the property. They also do minor carpentry work when making flower bed walls and signs.
Groundskeepers conduct routine inspections and check the grounds space. They report any damage or repair as needed. Lastly, Groundskeepers are responsible for using protective equipment, following safety protocols while at work.
Skills and Qualifications of a Groundskeeper
A high school diploma or GED may be required of groundskeepers. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in agriculture or horticulture will be an advantage. However, the education requirement will depend on company policy. As for work background, at least one year of experience in the same role is a plus.
Groundskeepers must be able to work well independently as well as collaboratively with other team members. Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Additionally, candidates for groundskeeper must be physically fit to stand or sit for extended periods, lift and move heavy objects as required, and work outdoors for most of the day. Good manual dexterity will help in day-to-day activities. Exposure to different weather conditions, rainstorms, and heat is part of the job.
Lastly, candidates must be customer service oriented, provide recommendations, and answer inquiries as necessary. Working knowledge of insecticides and pest management are preferred.
