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Groundsperson

Alternative titles for this job include Greenkeeper

A groundsperson looks after sports grounds like golf courses and cricket, football and rugby pitches.

Average salary (a year)

£13,500 Starter

to

£30,500 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a groundsperson

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • sports surface management
  • sportsturf management
  • horticulture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You might find it helpful to do a college course before looking for work. Course subjects include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Maintenance
  • Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do the Sports Turf Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to become a groundsperson.

You could specialise in working on golf courses through an intermediate or advanced golf greenkeeping apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to do the Sports Turf Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You might be able to find work as an assistant groundsperson without qualifications. You could then work your way up by getting experience and studying on the job.

Other Routes

You could do a qualification with the Grounds Management Association. They offer courses at different levels in turf surface maintenance and management.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Grounds Management Association for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find more advice about a career as a groundsperson from the Grounds Management Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You might need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a groundperson you could:

  • prepare land for grass turf
  • roll and mow grass and remove water
  • control weeds, diseases and pests
  • mark lines on pitches, cut holes and move markers
  • install, maintain and operate equipment like strimmers and mowers

Working environment

You could work at a school, in a park or on a sports field.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisor, team leader or head of section.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Grounds Person Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,921.00 Annually
  • Location: Edenbridge, Kent

Apprentice Greenkeeper

  • Wage: £16,500.00 Annually
  • Location: DUMMER, BASINGSTOKE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Horticulture

  • Provider: NORTHERN COLLEGE FOR RESIDENTIAL ADULT EDUCATION LIMITED(THE)
  • Start date: 29 June 2023
  • Location: BARNSLEY

Horticulture Technical

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich
Find courses near you

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