Groundskeeper
To manage urban landscapes
Behind many pristine lawns, edged by sprays of colorful flowers and
surrounded by the shade of trees lies the handiwork of a groundskeeper.
For those who enjoy the outdoors and working with their hands, the
career of groundskeeper provides opportunities to help shape and
nurture lawns, gardens and trees that beautify the urban landscape.
Landscape maintenance is a diverse field covering a wide range of
landscaping services including lawn and garden maintenance;
installation of flower beds, trees and shrubs; and design and
installation of water systems along with pesticide spraying and weed
removal.
Opportunities in landscape maintenance include management and
supervisory positions as well as field positions. Those in the field
need experience with a variety of tools such as pruning shears and
saws, lawn mowers and weed whackers that can be gained from on-the-job
training.
Certification for spraying pesticides and installation of sprinkler and
irrigation systems along with garden construction provide further
opportunities within the field.
Many experienced groundskeepers enjoy operating their own business,
working solo or with a small crew, and both large and small landscape
companies exist providing services to homeowners, apartment complexes
and other businesses.
Local governments and public institutions such as schools and
universities along with large private parks and amusement parks may
have groundskeeping departments or offer full-time positions for
groundskeepers.
Rob McCombs, lead groundskeeper for the Kern County Superintendent of
Schools oversees maintenance on 16 properties covering more than 30
acres. His daily responsibilities take him from the field where he
manages and works side by side with his crew of 8 to the office where
he meets with his bosses and helps plan future projects.
Managing a groundskeeping crew requires people skills to help resolve
conflicts and to ensure each member works productively as part of a
team.
McCombs believes those in the field must constantly strive to expand
their knowledge, and he recently completed a horticulture class that
will help him better care for some of the properties he manages.
"Keep growing and learning on your own, not because someone requires it," McCombs said.
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