Supervisor of Groundskeepers

Golf Course Superintendent, Grounds Manager, Grounds Supervisor, Landscape Supervisor
Job Description

A Supervisor of Groundskeepers is a professional responsible for overseeing the maintenance and landscaping of outdoor areas. This role involves managing teams of groundskeepers, planning landscaping projects, and ensuring the upkeep of parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.

Typical Preparation

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Years in related career: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 2.6% (average)

Annual job openings: 23,200

Direct AI exposure: 7% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 42% of tasks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $58K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$41K
per year
$47K
per year
$58K
per year
$73K
per year
$86K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $7.45K above the national average.

What does a Supervisor of Groundskeepers do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Manages teams of groundskeepers and coordinates their work.
  • Plans and oversees landscaping projects.
  • Ensures the maintenance of green spaces, including lawns, gardens, and trees.
  • Operates and maintains landscaping equipment.
  • Implements safety protocols and trains staff.

Work environment

Supervisors of Groundskeepers typically work outdoors in various settings such as public parks, gardens, sports fields, and residential areas. They may also spend time in offices planning projects and managing administrative tasks. The job often requires physical labor and working in various weather conditions.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Landscape Design: Focusing on the aesthetic planning and design of outdoor spaces.
  • Turf Management: Specializing in the care and maintenance of turfgrass, particularly in sports fields and golf courses.
  • Arboriculture: Concentrating on the care and maintenance of trees.
  • Horticultural Therapy: Using gardening practices to improve mental and physical well-being.
  • Environmental Conservation: Focusing on maintaining grounds in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Description

Supervisors of Groundskeepers play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing outdoor environments. They must have a strong knowledge of plants, landscaping techniques, and maintenance practices. This occupation demands both technical skills in horticulture and management skills to lead teams effectively.

Strong organizational abilities are essential for planning and executing landscaping projects, while communication skills are crucial for coordinating with staff, clients, and other stakeholders. Supervisors must also stay updated on environmental regulations and sustainable practices.

The role offers variety and the opportunity to work in different settings. It combines physical outdoor work with elements of design and creativity, making it a dynamic and rewarding profession for those passionate about nature and the outdoors.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Supervisor of Groundskeepers if you are...

Pros:

  • Rewarding work in enhancing and maintaining natural environments.
  • Opportunities for creativity in landscape design.
  • Variety in daily tasks and work environments.

Cons:

  • Physically demanding and may require working in harsh weather conditions.
  • Some tasks can be repetitive, like mowing lawns or pruning.
  • Management responsibilities may include dealing with staffing challenges.

How to become a Supervisor of Groundskeepers

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, with some employers preferring candidates with additional training in horticulture or landscape management. On average, this amounts to about 12 years of schooling, plus any additional specialized training or certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Biology and Environmental Science to understand plant and ecosystem basics.
  • Art and Design for developing a sense of aesthetics in landscape design.
  • Business Studies to learn basic management and organizational skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in gardening or environmental clubs.
  • Volunteer for community beautification projects or local parks.
  • Engage in sports or physical activities to build stamina and physical fitness.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a certificate or associate degree in horticulture, landscape design, or a related field.
  • Gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in landscaping or grounds maintenance.
  • Seek certifications related to landscaping, horticulture, or arboriculture for specialized knowledge.

More resources

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