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Groundskeeper Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Groundskeeper, or Grounds Caretaker, is responsible for the landscaping and lawn maintenance of the outdoor grounds of an establishment. Their main duties include planting greenery, cutting and maintaining the healthy growth of plants and grass, and keeping the grounds clean and well-manicured.

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Groundskeeper duties and responsibilities

There are many duties and responsibilities a Groundskeeper performs in order to maintain the outdoor look of an establishment. Some of the common tasks expected of a Groundskeeper for any type of location include:

  • Pruning shrubs, trimming bushes, and adding fertilizer to maintain growth
  • Cutting grass regularly
  • Spraying trees and plants to protect them from insects and diseases
  • Watering plants and lawn as needed
  • Using and maintaining landscaping equipment such as mowers, clippers, and blowers, among others
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Groundskeeper Job Description Examples:

Example 1

At Northview, we are a passionate, community-focused team dedicated to making our properties the best they can be. We are proud to live, work, and play in the neighborhoods we serve, next to our residents, hotel guests and commercial tenants across Canada.

We are looking for a Groundskeeper to join our Residential team in Labrador, NL. Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, you will make sure that Northview’s buildings show pride of ownership and respect for our residents, by ensuring that the grounds and buildings are maintained, in good repair, with pleasant curb appeal.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensuring safety of common areas, and complying with Northview’s Health and Safety requirements
  • Maintain lawns, shrubs, and trees flower beds (Includes pruning, raking, mowing grass, fertilizing, weeding control)
  • Moving furniture, equipment, materials and supplies including clearing of vacant suites as necessary, including loading and unloading materials and delivering to properties
  • Snow removal and ice control from all entrances/exits and walkways as required
  • Delivery of notices to building residents & posting of notices in common areas where applicable required
  • Maintain clean vacant lots, keeping grounds free of debris
  • Maintain tools and equipment
  • Maintain company vehicle where applicable
  • Assisting with suite renovations and other upgrades
  • Resident Services and assistance as required and maintaining good resident relations
  • Completion of suite inspections where applicable
  • Assisting with the implementation of preventative maintenance programs
  • Other duties relating to upkeep of buildings and grounds as assigned

    Qualifications:

  • Previous experience working outdoors doing manual labour, in diverse weather conditions is required
  • Proven ability to work productively and safely while under pressure, with good time management
  • Good customer service skills and pleasant demeanor, and an ability to speak and write English fluently
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs,
  • Work weekends if necessary

    If your background matches the qualifications listed above and you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the communities we serve, please submit your resume in confidence to [website] Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue through the selection process will be contacted. Northview welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: Up to $22.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Automobile allowance
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Location: On the road

    • Example 2

    Groundskeeper/Maintenance

    Do you love being outdoors and working with your hands? We are looking for you! We are recruiting for a Groundskeeper/Maintenance Worker to maintain a variety of properties around Kingsville, Leamington and Windsor. We offer a convenient work schedule, Monday to Friday with the ability to build and manage your own weekly schedule. Some evenings and weekends may be required due to inclement weather or unexpected situations.

    What you’ll do:

  • Manage a large residential beachfront property, various rental properties and offices. Plan, organize, coordinate and evaluate maintenance and groundskeeping activities.
  • Ensure lawns are manicured appropriately. Regularly treat weeds, weed whip, rake leaves, plant flowers/shrubs, spread mulch/woodchips/stones, trim shrubs and hedges, power wash cement, cut and remove tree limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions, and perform other lawn care services as necessary.
  • Clean and maintain pool, including testing chemical levels and adjusting appropriately. Clean and maintain beach.
  • Perform general repairs around properties and work with subcontractors for larger, complex repairs. Operate and maintain equipment.

    What We Are Looking For:

  • Experience with landscaping, general maintenance and minor home repairs.
  • Proficient skills in operating various hand tools and power equipment.
  • Highly motivated and able to work independently. Exhibit initiative, responsibility, and flexibility.
  • Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
  • Reliable transportation and driver’s license.

    We would love to start working with you! If this opportunity sounds like you, tell us “why” you’re the person we’re looking for. We’re looking forward to learning more about you! Thanks for taking the time to read our job posting. We hope you’re as excited for this opportunity as we are.

    To Apply:

    Please submit a copy of your resume. We will ask the chosen candidate to complete a criminal background check.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: $50,000.00-$55,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
    Schedule:
  • Day shift

    Ability to ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    • Example 3

    Sodexo, a global quality of life services provider, is looking for a reliable self-starter to join our Landscaping team at the P&G facility in Belleville. If you're looking to be part of an amazing team of dedicated, passionate people then look no further.

    Who We Are

    The well-being of our clients is at the heart of Sodexo's approach, customer engagement is integral in the services provided by Sodexo employees in various locations across Canada. We work closely with our consumers and clients to create an interactive and personalized environment for the well-being of everyone we serve.

    Sodexo is proud to announce these nominations: 2021 Canada’s Best Diversity Employer; 2021 Canada’s Greenest Employers; 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index featured company; 2020 Parity Certification - Platinum level and Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program company – Gold Level.

    What We Can Offer You

    Sodexo is growing! We are looking for a Groundskeeper to join our dynamic team. This position is a full-time permanent role (seasonal options available). Hourly rate of $20.00/hour. You will be offered a great team environment and work/life balance. This position includes:
  • A flexible and dynamic work environment
  • Competitive compensation
  • Access to ongoing training and development programs
  • Extended health benefits including vision and dental

    The Job Details

    During your mandate you will be required to mow lawns and trim grass around walkways, flower beds and walls, prune shrubs and trees to shape and improve growth, remove damaged leaves, branches and twigs using mowers, tractors and other hand and power tools. You will plant and maintain flower beds or other decorative plants, maintain and sharpen tools and make minor repairs to equipment as required. Plant, fertilize, water, and use herbicides and insecticides to maintain lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs.

    You will be asked to clean drainage ditches and culverts, maintain irrigation systems, and remove garbage and debris from outdoor areas. You will perform routine cleaning and maintenance of gardening and grounds equipment. May operate trucks and various motorized equipment such as mowers, tractors, two-axle vehicles, chain saws, electric mowers, lawn trimmers and pruning saws.

    You will be attending training programs (classroom and virtual) as needed, comply with all company safety and risk management policies and procedures, perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures, participate in regular safety meetings, safety training and hazard assessments. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned as required

    What You Bring

    You are a dynamic and reliable person with good communication and interpersonal skills. You are committed to quality assurance and safety. You possess the following skills and abilities:
  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent preferred.
  • 1-2 Years of related work experiences preferred.
  • Valid class G drivers license.
  • Strong work ethic and attendance record.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Able to lift up to 40lbs and work in various weather conditions.

    What's Next?

    If you're looking for a role where you can truly impact the lives of others, apply today.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: From $20.00 per hour

    Additional pay:
  • Overtime pay
    Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • On call
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Ongoing cleaning protocols. Site is assessed on an ongoing basis and covid protocols will be maintained as required.

    Experience:
  • Landscaping: 1 year (preferred)
  • maintenance: 1 year (preferred)

    Application deadline: start date: 2022-07-04

    • Example 4

    The INL Group of Companies has been in business for over 70 years. Our divisions include our Landscape Maintenance Division, Stone Yard Division, Landscape Construction, Farm Division and Garden Centre. We are well known in the maintenance industry for world-class exemplary service and the highest industry standards.

    Currently hiring a Landscaping/Groundskeeper

    Afternoon Shift: 2pm to 10pm (Monday to Friday with occasional weekends)

    Location: Mississauga - HWY 403/ HWY 10 AREA

    The location of the property is a 4 Building executive property located in Mississauga. You will be responsible for the appearance and curb appeal of the executive property.

    Responsibilities:.

  • Back pack blowing
  • Line trimming
  • Fertilizing, watering, flower planting
  • General maintenance in stairwells, walkways, parking lots
  • Maintain simple daily work logs, including production notes and site information

    Requirements:

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in Landscape Maintenance
  • Solid understanding of lawn maintenance practices/procedures
  • Solid understanding of landscape materials
  • Knowledge of lawn maintenance equipment
  • Background in the landscape maintenance industry
  • Experience with property maintenance/snow removal
  • Previous Landscape Maintenance experience on larger high-end properties would be an asset
  • Experience using a sweeper is an asset
  • Able to work independently
  • A strong work ethic
  • Accountable and reliable
  • Proven organizational skills
  • Accuracy in your paperwork, attention to detail
  • Critical thinking, problem-solver with a can-do attitude

    We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour 2 years (preferred)

    • What does a Groundskeeper do?

    A Groundskeeper maintains lawns, gardens, golf courses, athletic fields, cemeteries, parks, and other public and private spaces with vast amounts of greenery. They may also be employed to maintain landscaping structures around a building or residence. The Groundskeeper ensures that landscaping is always neat and tidy, and that greenery thrives with proper maintenance. The Groundskeeper also rakes leaves or removes other debris to keep lawns looking proper at all times.

    Groundskeeper skills and qualifications

    A successful Groundskeeper candidate possesses certain abilities in order to perform the job properly. Some of the skills and qualifications of a successful candidate include:

    • Being equipped to perform manual labour, including lifting heavy materials and equipment
    • In-depth knowledge of plants and grass, and how best to care for them
    • An eye for detail
    • Good organizational skills
    • Ability to use and perform maintenance on lawn equipment
    • Problem-solving skills
    • In-depth knowledge of related local regulations

    Groundskeeper experience requirements

    A Groundskeeper may not have any previous work experience but can learn on the job. However, the best candidates often have at least two years of experience in a groundskeeping related role. Any candidate with experience in landscaping and gardening, even at a part-time level, should be considered an asset to this position. Successful candidates will also have experience in using and maintaining the tools required for the position.

    Groundskeeper education and training requirements

    A Groundskeeper will generally have a high school diploma or equivalent. In the province of Quebec, a Groundskeeper must have a landscaping license from Emploi-Quebec. In some cases, to use certain pesticides and herbicides, Groundskeepers need a provincial license. Aside from this, a Groundskeeper learns much of their work on the job. 

    Groundskeeper salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average Groundskeeper pay in Canada is $17.85 per hour. Wages may vary based on geographical location, the size and type of hiring establishment, and the candidate’s level of experience.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this job description sample isn’t exactly what you were looking for, consider some other descriptions including:

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    Groundskeeper job description FAQs

    What is the difference between a Groundskeeper and a Custodian?

    A Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic of the grounds around an establishment. Their primary goal is to ensure the lawn and greenery are cared for and properly maintained. A Custodian, on the other hand, is responsible for keeping an establishment clean. They may do some maintenance of the lawn, but they do not devote their time to the aesthetic appeal of the outside landscaping like Groundskeepers do. They are also not responsible for designing the outdoor landscaping plan.

    Do Groundskeepers have different responsibilities in different industries?

    Yes, in different industries, a Groundskeeper may have varying responsibilities. At an office building, a Groundskeeper may keep the lawn mowed, cut shrubs, and clean up debris. At a golf course, a Groundskeeper keeps a lookout for potential dangers like sinkholes or cracks in the ground and repairs them to ensure safety for all players on the course.

    How to make a Groundskeeper job description stand out?

    A good Groundskeeper job description will include details about the types of grounds the successful candidate will be taking care of. It should include information about the types of tools and equipment the Groundskeeper will be expected to use. If your site has a special use, such as a golf course or cemetery, be sure to mention that in your job description. It’s also important to include information about the working hours, salary, and any competitive benefits you’re offering with the position.

    What are good qualities to look for in a Groundskeeper?

    A good Groundskeeper candidate is capable of lifting heavy objects. Candidates should have an eye for landscape design, enjoy the outdoors, and be skilled in using power tools and equipment for their duties. Successful Groundskeepers are typically organized, meticulous, knowledgeable, and eager to learn. They should also have a passion for caring for plants and trees, and keeping a well-kept space outdoors. 

    Job Description Examples

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