At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Groundsman Greenkeeper, maintaining stunning golf courses and sports pitches.
- Company: Elm Park Golf Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, dedicated to excellence in course management.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to work outdoors in a vibrant team.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and training in advanced machinery operation.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to make an impact while developing valuable skills in turf management.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for the outdoors and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Senior Greenkeeper – Elm Park Golf Club October 2023 – Present
- Mowing of Greens, fairways, tees and rough
- Course set up – changing holes/ divot tee boxes
- Supervision of other staff and contractors
- Maintenance of bunkers
- Digger use knowledge
- Use of tractor mounted chipper
- Fertilising of tees
- Use of Weidemann leaf collector
- Use of tractor mounted leaf blower
The GAA – Croke Park & National Games Development Centre (NGDC) August 2021 – October 2023
- Lead Groundsman (Deputy Head) Promoted October 2022
- Managerial Duties:
- Supervision, Organisation & Management of Staff and Contractors
- Management of Budgets and Purchase Orders using Microsoft Excel
- Recording of Nutrients Mixes in Microsoft Excel
- Stock taking and ordering of materials, for example, Seed, Fertiliser & Chemicals
- Croke Park Duties:
- Preparation of pitch for National League and All Ireland Championship Matches.
- Driving and setting up SGL lights
- Initial cut and mark of a matchday set up
- Mowing using pedestrian machinery
- Pedestrian aeration
- Divot and turf doctor
- Drag Brushing
- Fertilising (pedestrian and ride on)
- Overseeding (pedestrian)
- NGDC Duties:
- Ride on mowing
- Spraying of chemicals using tractor mounted sprayer
- Fertilising using tractor mounted spreader
- Line Marking with hybrid spray and beamrider
- Aeration (vertidrain & shockwave)
- Initial and over-seeding
- Raking and Scarifying
- Brushing of 3G pitch
- Keep up to date records of growth degree days (GDD) using Excel
- Removal of Gaelic posts
- Pitch Renovations:
- Assist with set up of Field Topmaker (KORO)
- Carting of removed material using Tractor and Trailer
- Sand spreading and working in
- Initial seeding of a new pitch
- Machine Operation:
- Driving tractor and trailers
- Using Loader (forks and bucket)
- Attaching implements and machines using 3-point linkage and PTO
- Machine Maintenance:
- Mandatory pre-start checks
- Checking and setting of mower heights and cut
- Checking fluid level
- Cleaning machines.
Groundsman, The Football Association, St Georges Park November 2020 – June 2021
- To support the grounds team in preparing and maintaining the training pitches and facilities at the National Football Centre, St Georges Park, throughout the duration of the Euro 2020(21) Campaign.
- Main Duties:
- Pitch Preparation and Maintenance
- Mowing with both pedestrian and ride-on machinery
- Initial marking out and overmarking with spray and wheel to wheel markers
- Aerating with both pedestrian and tractor mounted machinery.
- Over-seeding and fertilising with pedestrian machinery and tractors
- Watering by hand and using automated systems
- Pitch and divot repairs
- Cleaning and maintaining of 3G pitches
- Moving and positioning of grow lights as required
- Raking and scarifying
- Pitch Renovations:
- Assist with set up of Field Topmaker (KORO)
- Carting of removed material using Tractor and Trailer
- Sand spreading and working in
- Initial seeding of a new pitch
- Machine Maintenance and Operation:
- Mandatory pre-start checks, Setting up machines according to requirements checking and setting of mower heights
- Regular cleaning
- Driving tractor and trailers
- Attaching implements and machines using 3-point linkage and PTO
- Using loader (forks & bucket)
Groundsman, Derby County Football Club June 2017 – November 2020
- Preparing and maintaining Pride Park Stadium pitch and academy facilities. Liaising with first team and academy coaches regarding pitch allocation, usage and any specific requests.
- Main Duties:
- Pitch Preparation and Maintenance
- Mowing with both pedestrian and ride-on machinery
- Initial marking out and overmarking with spray and wheel to wheel markers
- Aerating with both pedestrian and tractor mounted machinery.
- Over-seeding and fertilising with pedestrian machinery and tractors
- Hand and automated watering
- Pitch and divot repairs
- Cleaning and maintaining of 3G pitches
- Moving and positioning of grow lights as required
- Raking and scarifying
- Estate Management:
- Mow and stripe lawns and grassed areas
- Strimming, maintenance and clearing of other landscaped areas
- Machine Maintenance and Operation:
- Mandatory pre-start checks, setting up machines according to requirements checking and setting of mower heights
- Regular cleaning
- Driving tractor and trailers
- Attaching implements and machines using 3-point linkage and PTO
- Using loader (forks & bucket)
Education Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 Sports Turf Operative – Distinction (UK)
- QQI Pesticide Boom Sprayer
- NVQ Level 3 Sports Development and Coaching – Merit
- GCSE – Mathematics – B
- Physics – B
- English Language – C
- English Literature – C
Groundsman Greenkeeper in Derby employer: Sportsfields
Elm Park Golf Club is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a collaborative work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills through training and hands-on experience in grounds maintenance. Located in a picturesque setting, the club offers a unique opportunity to work amidst beautiful landscapes while contributing to the upkeep of a premier golfing venue.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsman Greenkeeper in Derby
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Sportsfields.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Sportsfields.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Sportsfields; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsman Greenkeeper in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Sportsfields.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Groundsman Greenkeeper.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Sportsfields is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Sportsfields a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sportsfields
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Sportsfields might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
