Groundskeeper Resume examples & templates

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Copyable resume examples

Copyable Groundskeeper Resume examples

The green industry is experiencing a remarkable shift toward environmental sustainability, and groundskeepers are at the forefront of this evolution. With urban green spaces expanding by 15% in major metropolitan areas since 2018, the role of today's

groundskeeper extends far beyond simply mowing lawns and trimming hedges. These professionals now balance traditional landscape maintenance with water conservation practices, native plant integration, and organic pest management—skills that weren't part of the job description even a decade ago.

Behind the scenes of every pristine sports field, immaculate corporate campus, and welcoming public park stands a groundskeeper who understands both the science and artistry of landscape care. Many now use specialized software to track irrigation systems and schedule maintenance, while others are earning certifications in sustainable landscaping practices. As climate concerns reshape outdoor space management, groundskeepers who can adapt to changing environmental conditions and implement eco-friendly solutions will find themselves increasingly valued in a field that's growing as steadily as the grounds they tend.

Junior Groundskeeper Resume Example

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8472 | m.rodriguez93@email.com | linkedin.com/in/marcosrodriguez

SUMMARY

Dedicated groundskeeper with 1+ year maintaining commercial landscapes and athletic fields. Background in landscaping combined with hands-on equipment operation and basic irrigation troubleshooting. Known for attention to detail and ability to work independently in varying weather conditions. Looking to grow my career with an organization that values sustainable landscaping practices.

EXPERIENCE

Groundskeeper – Lakeside Park District, Chicago, IL (March 2023 – Present)

  • Maintain 4 public parks totaling 37 acres, including mowing, trimming, weeding, and debris removal
  • Operate riding mowers, trimmers, blowers and other power equipment safely around public areas
  • Apply fertilizers and pest control treatments following precise application guidelines
  • Assist with seasonal plantings that reduced annual flower budget by $1,875 through smart perennial selection
  • Clear snow and ice from walkways during winter months to ensure visitor safety

Landscaping Assistant – GreenScape Services, Evanston, IL (May 2022 – February 2023)

  • Supported 2-person crew in residential landscape maintenance for 18 regular clients
  • Performed basic lawn care including mowing, edging, and leaf removal
  • Installed mulch, planted flowers, and maintained garden beds according to customer specifications
  • Learned basic irrigation system troubleshooting, fixing 7 minor issues without requiring specialist visits

Seasonal Garden Center Associate – HomeBuilders Supply, Chicago, IL (March 2022 – May 2022)

  • Assisted customers with plant selection and basic gardening questions
  • Maintained inventory of plants, ensuring proper watering and care
  • Restocked shelves and helped with visual merchandising of seasonal displays

EDUCATION

Certificate in Landscape Maintenance – Chicago Community College (2022)

Coursework included: Plant Identification, Basic Irrigation, Turf Management, Equipment Operation

High School Diploma – Roosevelt High School, Chicago, IL (2021)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Illinois Pesticide Applicator License (2023)
  • First Aid/CPR Certified (2023)
  • Equipment Safety Training – Lakeside Park District (2023)

SKILLS

  • Lawn & Turf Management
  • Power Equipment Operation
  • Irrigation Troubleshooting
  • Plant Identification
  • Fertilizer Application
  • Pest & Weed Control
  • Seasonal Planting
  • Tree & Shrub Pruning
  • Snow Removal
  • Basic Equipment Maintenance

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Available for weekend rotations and seasonal schedule adjustments. Fluent in Spanish and English.

Mid-level Groundskeeper Resume Example

Marcus Bennett

Phone: (503) 746-8922 | Email: mbennett.grounds@gmail.com | Portland, OR 97214
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcusbennett-groundskeeper

Dedicated groundskeeper with 5+ years maintaining commercial and educational properties. Skilled in sustainable landscape management, irrigation systems, and seasonal planning. Known for attention to detail and ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. Experienced equipment operator committed to creating safe, beautiful outdoor environments.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lead Groundskeeper | Meadowbrook Community College | Portland, OR | June 2021 – Present

  • Oversee maintenance of 38-acre campus including athletic fields, gardens, and walkways
  • Manage 3 seasonal workers during peak periods, providing training on equipment operation and safety protocols
  • Reduced water usage by 27% through implementation of smart irrigation system and native plant selections
  • Coordinate with facilities team on special events, ensuring grounds are prepared for commencement, sports tournaments, and campus tours
  • Maintain detailed records of fertilizer applications, pesticide use, and equipment maintenance

Groundskeeper | Evergreen Properties Management | Portland, OR | March 2019 – June 2021

  • Maintained 6 commercial properties totaling 22 acres, including weekly mowing, edging, and debris removal
  • Performed seasonal tasks including fall leaf removal, spring planting, and winter storm preparation
  • Diagnosed and repaired minor irrigation system issues, saving approximately $4,800 in contractor costs annually
  • Created and implemented annual fertilization schedule resulting in healthier turf and reduced weed pressure

Groundskeeping Assistant | Pinecrest Golf Club | Beaverton, OR | April 2018 – March 2019

  • Assisted with daily maintenance of 18-hole golf course including mowing greens, tees, and fairways
  • Applied fertilizers and pest control products according to integrated pest management guidelines
  • Helped prepare course for weekend tournaments and special events
  • Learned operation and basic maintenance of specialized turf equipment

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate of Applied Science, Landscape Technology
Portland Community College, Portland, OR (2018)

Certifications:

  • Oregon Pesticide Applicator License (2019, renewed 2022)
  • Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician (2020)
  • First Aid/CPR Certified – American Red Cross (Current)

SKILLS

  • Turf management & renovation
  • Irrigation system programming & repair
  • Equipment operation (riding mowers, tractors, aerators)
  • Plant identification & care
  • Seasonal planning & scheduling
  • Basic carpentry (fencing, benches, signs)
  • Integrated pest management
  • Snow removal procedures
  • Tree & shrub pruning
  • Small engine maintenance & repair

Senior / Experienced Groundskeeper Resume Example

MARCUS JOHNSON

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8726 | mjohnson.grounds@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mjohnson-grounds

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dedicated Groundskeeper with 12+ years of progressive experience in landscape maintenance, turf management, and grounds operations. Known for implementing cost-effective maintenance programs that improved efficiency while maintaining exceptional property aesthetics; Strong background in crew supervision, irrigation systems, and sustainable landscaping practices at large-scale commercial properties and educational institutions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head Groundskeeper | Lakeside University | Chicago, IL | May 2017 – Present

  • Manage comprehensive grounds maintenance for 175-acre campus including athletic fields, formal gardens, and 12 acres of specialized turf areas
  • Supervise team of 8 full-time groundskeepers and 12 seasonal workers; implemented cross-training program reducing turnover by 37%
  • Developed and executed $475,000 annual operating budget with consistent 3-5% savings through improved resource allocation
  • Spearheaded transition to organic fertilization methods, resulting in 42% reduction in chemical use while maintaining turf quality
  • Collaborate with sustainability committee to implement green initiatives including rainwater collection and native plant installations
  • Redesigned snow removal protocols, cutting response time by 28% during winter emergencies

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor | Parkview Corporate Campus | Evanston, IL | June 2013 – April 2017

  • Supervised daily operations of 4-person grounds crew for 85-acre corporate office complex
  • Managed seasonal planting rotations for 24 landscape beds and 37 container gardens throughout property
  • Reduced irrigation water usage by 31% by installing smart controllers and implementing zone-specific watering schedules
  • Maintained fleet of 7 grounds maintenance vehicles and 15+ pieces of power equipment
  • Created detailed maintenance logs and scheduling system that improved crew efficiency by 22%

Groundskeeper | Greenfield Golf Club | Deerfield, IL | March 2010 – June 2013

  • Performed daily maintenance of tee boxes, fairways, and greens for 18-hole championship golf course
  • Assisted with irrigation troubleshooting and repairs across 140-acre property
  • Operated specialized turf equipment including fairway mowers, aerators, and sprayers
  • Helped implement new disease prevention program that reduced fungicide applications by 17%

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Associate of Applied Science, Horticulture | Morton Community College | 2011

Certifications:

  • Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) – Professional Grounds Management Society
  • Illinois Pesticide Applicator License (#IL-4582-PA) – Current
  • Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician – 2014
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification – Renewed 2021
  • First Aid/CPR Certified – American Red Cross

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Turf management (cool & warm season grasses)
  • Irrigation system programming & repair
  • Plant disease identification & treatment
  • Snow & ice management operations
  • Equipment maintenance & repair
  • Sustainable landscaping practices
  • Crew scheduling & supervision
  • Budget management & cost control
  • Fertilization & soil amendment programs
  • Athletic field preparation & maintenance

COMPUTER SKILLS

  • Grounds maintenance software (GroundsPro, MaintenanceEdge)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Basic CAD for landscape planning
  • Irrigation control systems (Rainbird, Hunter)

How to Write a Groundskeeper Resume

Introduction

Landing a job as a groundskeeper isn't just about your skill with a mower or hedge trimmer—it's about convincing potential employers you're the right fit on paper first. I've helped hundreds of maintenance professionals craft resumes that get interviews and I've noticed groundskeeper resumes require a special touch. They need to balance technical maintenance skills with soft skills like reliability and attention to detail. Your resume is essentially your marketing tool and for outdoor maintenance roles, it needs to showcase both your physical capabilities and your professional approach.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your groundskeeper resume clean and organized—much like you'd keep the properties you maintain! Aim for 1-2 pages max (one is preferable for those with under 5 years of experience). Use a simple, readable font like Arial or Calibri in 11 or 12 point size.

  • Use clear section headings to divide content (Experience, Skills, Education)
  • Incorporate white space to make your resume scannable
  • Choose a chronological format if you have steady experience, or a functional format if you're changing careers
  • Skip fancy graphics or colors—groundskeeping isn't a design field and simplicity works best
  • Save your file as a PDF (unless specifically asked for a .doc) to preserve formatting

Profile/Summary Section

Start with a brief professional summary (3-4 sentences) that highlights your experience level, specialties and biggest strengths. This gives hiring managers an immediate sense of what you bring to their grounds crew.

Example: "Dependable groundskeeper with 4+ years maintaining 15-acre commercial properties. Skilled in irrigation systems troubleshooting, seasonal planting and operating heavy equipment including backhoes and trenchers. Known for reducing landscape water usage by 31% through smart irrigation practices while improving overall appearance."

Pro Tip: Customize your summary for each job application. If the posting emphasizes athletic field maintenance, highlight your experience with turf management. If it's for a cemetery, mention your experience with respectful grounds care in sensitive environments.

Professional Experience

This section carries the most weight. For each position, include:

  • Job title, company name, location and dates employed
  • 4-6 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
  • Start bullets with strong action verbs (Maintained, Operated, Implemented)
  • Include specific numbers where possible (acres maintained, team size, equipment operated)

Don't just list duties—show results! Instead of "Mowed lawns," try "Maintained 22 acres of turf to golf-course standards, reducing customer complaints by 75% compared to previous contractor."

Education and Certifications

Groundskeeping often values hands-on experience over formal education, but don't skip this section. Include:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Any relevant post-secondary education
  • Certifications (Pesticide Applicator License, Equipment Operation Certificates)
  • Training programs (Irrigation Association courses, Turf Management)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Incorporate these common groundskeeping keywords naturally throughout your resume:

  • Equipment operation (riding mowers, trimmers, blowers, etc.)
  • Landscape maintenance
  • Irrigation systems
  • Turf management
  • Pest control
  • Pruning techniques
  • Seasonal planting
  • Safety protocols

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkling in some industry terminology shows you know your stuff. Consider including terms like:

  • Aeration
  • Dethatching
  • IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
  • Hardscaping
  • Fertilization schedules
  • Native plant species

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too vague about equipment you can operate
  • Forgetting to mention safety training or certifications
  • Omitting measurable achievements (area maintained, water saved, etc.)
  • Using the same generic resume for every application
  • Including irrelevant hobbies (your personal gardening might be relevant; your stamp collection probably isn't)

Before/After Example

Before: "Mowed grass and did landscaping at office park."

After: "Maintained 8 commercial properties totaling 27 acres, including weekly mowing, edging and seasonal flower bed rotations. Implemented water-saving irrigation schedule that reduced summer water usage by 24% while keeping turf quality ratings above 8/10."

Remember that your groundskeeper resume should reflect the care and attention to detail you'd bring to the job itself. Take the time to prune it properly and you'll be well on your way to landing interviews!

Soft skills for your Groundskeeper resume

  • Team coordination with seasonal staff – I’ve managed crews of up to 4 part-time workers during peak seasons while keeping projects on track
  • Weather-based problem solving (figuring out drainage issues after that crazy April storm last year took some real creativity!)
  • Clear communication with facilities managers, especially when explaining why certain landscape choices just won’t work in our climate
  • Patience with public spaces users – sometimes I need to work around ongoing activities without disrupting events
  • Budget-conscious planning that stretches limited resources without sacrificing grounds quality
  • Adaptability to unexpected maintenance challenges like broken irrigation systems or surprise pest infestations

Hard skills for your Groundskeeper resume

  • Irrigation System Programming (Rain Bird ESP-SMT, Hunter Pro-C)
  • Pesticide Application & Chemical Handling (EPA certification)
  • Sports Turf Management for multi-use athletic fields
  • Small Equipment Maintenance (mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers)
  • Soil Testing & pH Balancing techniques
  • Tree Pruning & Ornamental Plant Care
  • Drainage System Installation & Troubleshooting
  • Seasonal Planting Rotation Planning
  • GCSAA Level 2 Certification