Groundskeeping: An Introduction 
What’s involved in groundskeeping?
In a nutshell it is working outdoors looking after one or more areas that are covered in grass.
For most, or all, of the time, it will be natural grass that is being looked after, but there are significant numbers of artificial surfaces that also need maintaining, so there is a good likelihood that there will be some involvement working on an artificial surface.
The actual work that someone does will vary depending on the facilities on site and their role, but for most it will be physical work, often using a range of machinery. Four distinct role types are identified to give a general overview of the roles and to allow a contrast to be made between them.
[1] For someone just starting out in the industry, the role will typically be an assistant or apprentice and there will be doing a lot of physical work helping other ground staff. This is a really useful way to observe, listen and learn, fairly quickly, the skills needed to work efficiently and effectively. Over time you will then be able to safely carry out most, if not all, grounds maintenance activities on your own.
[2] For someone who is well established as a grounds person, classed as qualified, and competent in what they do then they will be acting in a groundskeeper role. This will be someone who carries out the physical work, whether by hand, pedestrian operated machinery, or through the use of ride-on machinery, including tractors. This type of role is arguably the one that produces the goods because they are the ones who do the actual maintenance work. The majority of people employed within the industry will be classed as this main operative role.
[3] Having gained experience of the practical side, the next main role type is that of supervisor / assistant head. This will typically be a blend of hands-on physical work and carrying out management functions, in particular the managing of staff (for example motivating and guiding others) and implementing planned work schedules with other staff.
[4] Grounds managers will be responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly. The work will mostly be office based but will still have a fair amount of outdoor work, which will include checking the grounds are being maintained to the desired quality and to a safe standard, as well as talking to other staff and customers.
A more detailed description of what is involved for two of the roles is given in the entries for and .
As in any industry there are challenges involved and some of the key ones an individual may find they need to consider before engaging with the industry are:
Salaries: These can be reasonable to low compared with other industries. Using this industry as a steppingstone into employment can be a good move, however, it is important to actively plan out whether this is going to be a career move or shorter-term involvement. If it is to be a career it is essential that education and training is viewed as on ongoing investment if progressing to more senior roles with improved salaries is desired. If, after gaining some useful work experience and transferable skills, this is found not to be a career industry then move to a different industry, or different area of the industry (for example, sales, development, training) to develop a career, do not just stay in a role that is essentially going nowhere for an individual. Certainly, do not wait many years before trying to work out what you want, otherwise this may hinder your opportunities of moving to something more rewarding.
Working hours and conditions: These can be quite varied, but early starts are common for many roles, especially during the spring and summer months when grass growth is often rapid. For someone who is single this may not be an issue and can actually be quite invigorating, getting up early. However, for many with young children this may be inappropriate. Working conditions, even in 2024, can vary from inadequate for a modern workplace, to somewhere with outstanding facilities. So, always check the facilities available at a potential employer before taking the plunge with them.
Diversity of employees: There is a lack of diversity in the groundskeeping industry. Approximately 97% of workers are ‘white’ and male, which is not a problem as such, but this might be challenging where an individual who does not match the make-up of a work force wishes to integrate smoothly with the others. There may be underlying reasons that are not being honestly addressed as to why this is the case, so asking an employer about their employee diversity will help to give an indication of their true perception of this issue rather than any encouraging words they may have on their recruitment literature.
Progression opportunities: These can be very limited because the majority of employers are small businesses employing just a few people, so internal progression can be limited. To progress, in many cases, would mean moving employers, which will often involve increased travel to work time and costs. The size of the industry is very small compared to other industries, approximately 30,000 full-time workers, so progression opportunities may not arise on a regular basis.
If someone is interested in groundskeeping then keep an open mind when researching more. There are many benefits, and working outdoors in nice weather is a fantastic bonus providing huge health benefits, but there are limitations and disadvantages as well. Make a list of everything that is of relevance, weigh up what is considered of most importance, and make an informed and impartial decision of the action to take. Don’t be swayed by someone who is too enthusiastic or discouraging. It is an important decision, as it is for moving into any industry, and it is a decision that could significantly affect someone’s work and home life for many years to come.