Greenkeeper
Career outlook for greenkeeper
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£13,500
Experienced
£30,500
Currently employed in Scotland
4,300
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would look after sports grounds, such as football, cricket and rugby pitches, bowling greens, tennis courts, racecourses and golf courses.
Your main responsibility would be to manage the soil and grass to make sure the turf is always in top condition.
You would:
- Prepare land for turf to be laid
- Apply nutrients
- Roll and mow the turf
- Identify and control weeds
- Set out and mark lines on surfaces
- Install and maintain equipment like nets, posts and protective covers
- Maintain irrigation and drainage systems
- Look after surrounding areas - plant displays, concrete or tarmac
- Operate equipment like hedge cutters, strimmers and ride-on mowers
- Paint, remove rubbish and carry out general duties
Tasks would vary according to the season and weather conditions.
You’d be using heavy machinery so you would need to be aware of health and safety issues. You’d also need to be able to understand plans and drawings.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
51%
Part-time
25%
Self employed
25%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Taking responsibility
- Time management
- Taking initiative
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Verbal communication
- Building relationships
- Creative
Skills Explorer
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
To understand more, have a look at What are my skills?
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
There are no set qualifications, but an interest in horticulture and working outside would be essential.
You could enter this job through a Modern Apprenticeship in Horticulture (SCQF Level 5).
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Practical technologies such as woodwork
- Environmental or biological sciences
Helpful to have
You'd need to be physically fit and happy working outdoors. You might also need a driving licence.