Groundsperson

As a groundperson you could:

• care for playing surfaces by seeding, fertilizing, watering and mowing
•  control weeds, grass diseases and pests
•  repair or renovate damaged areas
•  operate horticultural equipment and machinery
•  maintain racecourse turf, fences and drainage
•  mark lines on pitches, cut holes on greens and make sure goalposts, flagpoles and other equipment is in good order

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You might need a driving licence for some jobs.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by a professional body

With experience, you could become a supervisor, head groundsperson or headkeeper at a sports ground or course.

You might also find opportunities in:

• landscaping
•  horticultural management
•  mobile machinery servicing and repairs
•  equipment sales
•  course or sports facility management