Groundsperson
A groundsperson, or greenkeeper, looks after sports grounds like golf courses and cricket, football and rugby pitches.
Salary range: £17,000 to £48,000
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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
College
You might find it helpful to do a qualification 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 may be able to get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a sports turf operative.
You could specialise in working on golf courses through an intermediate or advanced golf greenkeeping 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 may 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 take qualifications with an industry body like the Institute of Groundsmanship. They offer courses at different levels in turf surface maintenance and management.
More information
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Groundsmanship for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You’ll find more advice about careers and training as a groundsperson from the Institute of Groundsmanship.
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, dexterity and grace
- 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:
- pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
You may:
- prepare land for laying turf (grass)
- roll and mow grass
- mark lines on pitches or greens, cut holes and move markers
- remove water and rake ground
- apply turf treatments to control weeds, fungal diseases, pests and turf problems
- install and maintain equipment
- operate equipment like strimmers and ride-on 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
With experience, you could progress to supervisor, team leader or head of section.
You could get training from the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).