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Greenkeeper

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Animals, land and environment
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Career outlook for greenkeeper

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£13,500

Experienced

£30,500

Currently employed in Scotland

3,100

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

You would usually work around 37 hours a week. This could include evenings and weekends especially if there was a match, fixture or event at your venue.

Environment

You would spend most of your time outside, and your work would be quite physical.

Travel

In some jobs you would need to travel around a large site or to several different sites.

UK employment status

Full-time

51%

Part-time

25%

Self employed

25%

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  • Taking responsibility
  • Time management
  • Taking initiative
  • Developing a plan
  • Attention to detail
  • Verbal communication
  • Building relationships
  • Creative

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Getting in

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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.