Greenkeeper

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.

• Royal Horticulture Society - careers in horticulture

• Grounds Management Association - Careers and professional development information

• Lantra Scotland - Training and skills for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector