At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Groundsman/Greenkeeper, maintaining stunning golf courses and sports pitches.
- Company: Be part of Elm Park Golf Club, a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in golf.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love nature and want to make a visible impact on sports facilities.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for the outdoors and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Great opportunity for high school and college students looking for summer work or part-time roles.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Senior Greenkeeper – Elm Park Golf Club October 2023 – Present
Duties:
- 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
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
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 – o Mathematics – Bo Physics – Bo English Language – Co English Literature – Co
Groundsman/Greenkeeper position employer: Sportsfields
Contact Detail:
Sportsfields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsman/Greenkeeper position
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment mentioned in the job description, such as the Weidemann leaf collector and tractor-mounted sprayer. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any supervisory or managerial experience you have, especially if it involves overseeing staff or contractors. This role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest turf management techniques and trends. Showing that you're knowledgeable about current practices can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to bring fresh ideas to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who work at golf clubs or sports facilities. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position you're interested in.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsman/Greenkeeper position
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in groundskeeping and greenkeeping. Focus on specific duties you've performed that align with the job description, such as mowing, fertilising, and machine operation.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for groundskeeping. Mention your previous roles and how they have prepared you for this position. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for working at the specific club.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills that are particularly relevant to the role, such as experience with machinery, supervision of staff, and knowledge of turf management. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in groundskeeping roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sportsfields
✨Know Your Turf
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties and responsibilities of a Groundsman/Greenkeeper. Be prepared to discuss your experience with mowing, fertilising, and maintaining pitches, as well as any relevant machinery you've operated.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Since the role involves supervising staff and contractors, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous positions. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to handle budgets and resources.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of turf management practices and machinery operation. Be prepared to answer technical questions about equipment maintenance and the use of specific tools like the Weidemann leaf collector or tractor-mounted sprayers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the club's goals for the grounds or their approach to sustainability in turf management. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.