Horticulture

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Greenkeeper or Groundsman

Read more about Greenkeeper or Groundsman

Including volunteers, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has estimated that there are more than 100,000 ground staff in the UK.

Ground staff are mainly employed by organisations that manage playing and leisure facilities. These include local authorities - which maintain over 50% of all sports surfaces in the UK - sports clubs, Grounds Maintenance contractors, schools and colleges, and golf clubs.

There are around 15,000 Greenkeepers working in the UK. Employers include private golf clubs, local authority leisure departments that operate public golf courses, hotels with golf facilities and ground maintenance contractors.

In recent years the promotion of the link between playing sport and good health has meant more leisure facilities and more opportunities for ground staff, particularly those with the right qualifications or aptitude to working in the industry.

Jobs are available throughout the country, with the most opportunities in more heavily populated areas.

As a Groundsman or Greenkeeper you will look after sports grounds, such as football, cricket and rugby pitches, bowling greens, tennis courts, racecourses and golf courses.

You will need practical skills to operate various types of machinery and you need to be able to understand plans and drawings to be able to mark out pitches, calculate seed amounts and fertiliser and pesticide applications.

If you have experience in horticulture, you may be able to enter as an unskilled Groundsman. You may then be able to progress to skilled level by gaining experience and working towards relevant qualifications. Alternatively, you may choose to do a full-time course in horticulture, landscaping or sports and amenity turf maintenance. A Modern Apprenticeship is a great way to get started too.

The key role of a Greenkeeper or Groundsman is to ensure that the playing surface is maintained in a good and safe condition. It may be made of natural turf, synthetic turf or a combination of both. Daily tasks vary according to the time of year and the type of surface being prepared, but they may include:

Ensuring the playing surface is maintained in a condition that meets the requirements of the sporting body regulations, which is safe for the players while giving entertainment to the spectators
Controlling and removing weeds as and when required which will be dependent upon the time of year and season
Setting out accurately and marking out the playing areas to the requirements of the governing body of the sport using only approved marking compounds or tape
Caring for surrounding ornamental areas, such as flower beds and environmental / ecological areas and habitats.
Operating light and heavy equipment, such as mowers, sprinklers and shredders
Driving tractors with a variety of specialised attachments, including gangmowers, sprayers, seeders and spiked rollers.

Sometimes groundsmen or greenkeepers may be involved in the construction of a new surface. This may involve reading drawings, preparing the land and ensuring there is sufficient irrigation and drainage to meet the needs of the surface.

Groundsmen and Greenkeepers often come into contact with the public and relevant sports men and women, so need good communication skills. They may also have to deal with on-site contractors.

Some ground staff work as self-employed contractors and some specialise in particular areas of the worker single sports facilities.

Working Conditions

Ground staff usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. However, actual working hours depend on the time of year, where they work and any special events the sports facility will be used for.

The hours can be unsociable and involve evenings and weekends, especially when working for professional sports clubs that may play matches under floodlights.

Grounds staff spend most of their time working outside in all weather conditions. The work could involve a fair amount of walking, lifting and bending. In some jobs, grounds staff, may need to travel around one large site or to divide their time between several sites.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£15,000

Ending Salary:

£23,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

You should have an interest in sports turf and hands-on work such as gardening or general horticultural.

Ground staff working in a particular sport normally have a good knowledge of the game.

Although ground staff do not need formal qualifications, it can be helpful to have some experience in gardening or horticulture. An appropriate Modern Apprenticeship can also provide a great start.

What experienced workers can do

Maintain structures and surfaces
Use equipment and machinery
Maintain planted areas in good condition
Present and maintain sports surfaces and facilities for play, including setting out the required equipment
Level and prepare sites for landscaping
Have an understanding of plant and soil science, to ensure surfaces are maintained in a playable condition.

Personal qualities you should have

Flexible
Like the outdoors
Happy to work on your own or with others
Good communication skills.

Next steps

Promotion prospects often depend on the size of the employer. Ground staff working for larger organisations, such as local authorities and some sports clubs, may be able to move up to the role of supervisor or team leader and then Head Greenkeeper or Grounds Manager.

Some grounds staff may progress to manage several courses or leisure areas and become estate managers.

Those working in smaller organisations may need to move to a different company to gain further experience and promotion.

Promotion also depends on the achievement of higher-level qualifications. The IOG offers a range of courses for people who want to continue their professional development or specialise in particular areas of the work within groundsmanship.

There may also be opportunities to become self-employed and to work overseas.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Head Greenkeeper

Read more about Head Greenkeeper

There are around 15,000 greenkeepers working in the UK in private golf clubs, local authority leisure departments that operate public golf courses, hotels with golf facilities and in ground maintenance contractors.

A Head Greenkeeper is responsible for the management, maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course. It is their job to maintain a good and safe playing surface and make sure the course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers.

The four key areas on a golf course of tees, fairways, greens and areas of rough each require a different type of maintenance. Greenkeepers are often also responsible for the maintenance and planting of trees, shrubs and flower beds.

Greenkeepers tour the course at the start of the day to prepare it for play. This can require very early starts to ensure the best playing surfaces are available on a daily basis. Greenkeepers also need to be constantly aware of golfers on the course, making sure their work does not interfere with play, and must keep health and safety at the forefront of all their activities.

Their work will include:

Communicating to staff, colleagues, other managers, golfers and the public
Managing budgets, finance and resources
Managing recruitment, selection and training of staff
Motivating and enthusing staff
Planning and monitoring the maintenance regime for the course
Managing the environmental policy
Managing projects and events.

Working Conditions

The hours worked by Head Greenkeepers can be longer in the spring and summer months. In summer, work may start at around 6am in order to complete various tasks before the course is open to golfers. As golf courses usually open seven days a week, weekend work is common.

Head Greenkeepers spend their time between outdoors on the course and dealing with all the management aspects of the golf course.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£15,000

Ending Salary:

£23,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

You should be interested in sports turf, working outdoors, golf, and the challenges that players expect from a course.

Although this career is competitive, opportunities are available through an appropriate Modern Apprenticeship.

What experienced workers can do

Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organisation
Support individuals to develop and maintain their performance
Co-ordinate the management of planted areas
Co-ordinate the establishment of planted areas
Implement plans for the management of sports turf areas
Plan, run and evaluate projects.

Personal qualities you should have

Flexibility
Likes working outdoors
People person
Safety aware.

Next steps

Some Head Greenkeepers may progress to manage several courses by becoming estate managers.

An understanding of the techniques and science of different playing surfaces can lead to employment opportunities in other sports. It may also be possible to move into agronomy or golf course design.

There may be opportunities to work overseas.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Head Gardener and Head of Grounds Maintenance

Read more about Head Gardener and Head of Grounds Maintenance

The UK has more than 30,000 public parks managed by local authorities, many with deserved high reputations. These parks, many designed in Victorian times, now have to meet the more recent demands of surrounding communities and are becoming more important in fighting climate change, air pollution, public health conditions and community inclusion.

Head Gardeners /Head Grounds Maintenance Workers are generally employed by local councils and private companies managing parks, open and green spaces. They work to maintain and develop public parks and open spaces for the benefit of local residents and visitors.

They supervise and allocate work to teams of gardeners and landscaping staff. This job role gives the opportunity for plenty of ‘hands on’ work as well as opportunities for those who wish to get into the managerial side of park and green space management.

Their main tasks are usually to:

Organise maintenance of parks and open spaces
Plan landscaping and planting of flowers, shrubs and trees
Organise planting programmes at appropriate times of year
Arrange areas and facilities designated for sports and recreation purposes
Engage and work with community and volunteer groups
Organise and plan events in parks
Ensure environmental and conservation requirements are optimised.

Much of their time is spent checking on the progress and quality of maintenance and planting programmes. Their teams can vary from a couple of people to over twenty, according to the number of sites and the areas covered.

Head Gardener/Head Grounds Maintenance Workers also:

Ensure vehicles and equipment used by their teams are maintained
Plan ahead to ensure people and materials are available at the right times of year
Work with other members of staff to regenerate horticultural features, such as plant beds
Establish the future needs of parks and open spaces by consulting with the local community
Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed
Discuss policy matters and write reports
Prepare proposals for services and products and gather data on sites
Prepare estimates and work to budgets
Ensure staff receive all the necessary training.

Working Conditions

Standard working hours for a Head Gardener/Head Grounds Maintenance Worker are 35 to 37 a week, Monday to Friday. At times actual hours worked may be more flexible according to the season and jobs in hand, sometimes including evenings and weekends.

A fair amount of time is spent working on plans, budgets, project organisation, administration and communication to all the various partnership organisations and the public.

However, the majority of time is spent outdoors in all weathers, visiting parks, open spaces, sports areas or depots where teams and equipment are based. Their work involves considerable walking around sites.

Some parks officers manage work at sites that are some distance apart, so a driving licence may be necessary.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£17,000

Ending Salary:

£27,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

Jobs are available throughout the UK working for local councils and private businesses involved in park and open space management.

Some people start their careers as gardeners or groundsmen and work their way up, taking horticultural or management courses part-time. Management qualifications or other local amenity management experience may also be useful.

You could also enter this career through a Modern Apprenticeship.

What experienced workers can do

Good knowledge of parks management and landscape design
Enthusiastic, with the ability to motivate staff, colleagues and local residents
Good planner, project manager and able to prioritise tasks
Good staff management and delegation skills
Respond quickly to customers seeking assistance
Work within budgets and to meet deadlines
Administrative and computer skills needed for planning and budgeting.

Personal qualities you should have

Have a genuine interest in gardens and landscape design
Be committed to providing pleasant, useful and safe environments for residents and visitors
Flexibility
Friendly and approachable.

Next steps

There may be opportunities for promotion to senior or management positions, especially in councils with larger parks departments. Some people move to management positions in other areas of council work.

Promotion opportunities may be more limited in some private companies. Employees sometimes progress by moving into other areas of amenity and leisure management.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Plant Pathologist

Read more about Plant Pathologist

A plant pathologist is someone who's interested in understanding the organisms and agents that cause plant diseases and how diseases affect plant health. There are a great range of plant pathology careers. Most plant pathologists work in university departments, commercial companies or do government funded research.

Some of the things a plant pathologist does:

Diagnose and deal authoritatively with enquiries about plant disease
Undertake research, publish results and communicate the results to gardeners
Assist in the preparation of proposals for research projects
Work with relevant organisations and attend conferences to promote horticultural plant pathology
Help prepare lectures, examination materials and demonstrations on plant diseases.

Pathologists are mainly employed as researchers or consultants who work in a variety of fields aimed at tackling crop or garden pests and the insects and diseases that spread plant, human and animal diseases. Pathologists are also concerned with the conservation of our native flora & fauna and their habitats.

Most pathologists are employed by various public organisations, such as the research institutes, museums, universities and national and local government departments concerned with agriculture, horticulture, health, conservation and environmental protection.

In the private sector they are employed by agricultural estates, pest control contractors and companies that develop and manufacture biological and chemical insecticides, and by environmental consultants, County Wildlife Trusts and other environmental charities.

Working Conditions

Working hours will vary according to the exact nature of the job.

Plant Pathologists working in research and higher education usually work a standard full time week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required at busy times. Those working in conservation may be required to host open days for the public or work with volunteers at weekends and bank holidays. They may also have to go to evening meetings.

Plant Pathologists can work all over the world and may have to cope with difficult climates. Fieldwork can be physically demanding.

A driving licence is often required to travel between different places of work.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£22,500

Ending Salary:

£33,500

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

For most Plant Pathologist positions you will need:

A degree in a relevant biological subject, plus a higher degree or alternative relevant qualification in plant pathology or microbiology
Knowledge of horticulture and garden plants and their diseases
Research experience
Experience of advisory work with the public, including public speaking or lecturing
Experience in a plant clinic or in practical horticulture or agriculture.

Many jobs are offered on short-term contracts.

What experienced workers can do

Able to keep accurate records of research
Good communication skills to convey technical information to others
Leadership skills
Research skills and the ability to analyse, interpret and report on data
Thorough knowledge of science, particularly biology and chemistry
Problem-solving ability.

Personal qualities you should have

Interest in science and plants
Interest in an area where botany is important, such as conservation
Accuracy and attention to detail
Methodical approach
Patience, perseverance and good concentration
Work well in a team on own initiative.

Next steps

Progression usually involves taking on more responsibility for projects and advising or managing others.

In universities, progression may be from researcher to lecturer, then to higher grades, such as senior lecturer, principal lecturer, reader, professor or head of department.

There may be an established career structure in industry, with experienced plant pathologists being promoted to more senior positions.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Landscaper

Read more about Landscaper

Landscapers create and look after planting and other features in outdoor and indoor spaces, making the most of the land available and creating attractive environments. Outdoor spaces include:

Gardens
Housing estates
Parks
Sports grounds
Industrial sites.

Some Landscapers specialise in interior landscapes, producing displays of plants and water features to brighten buildings such as shopping centres, offices and hospitals.

Landscaper tasks vary from project to project but can include:

Working from plans drawn up by a landscape architect or garden designer
Discussing plans, ideas and budgets with the client
Preparing the ground using equipment like mini-diggers, as well as spades and forks
Installing features such as paths, paved areas, statues, rock gardens or water features
Planting flowers, shrubs and trees, seeding lawns and laying turf
Advising clients on maintaining the plants and landscape, or returning at regular intervals to carry out ongoing maintenance.

Some Landscapers specialise in skills like paving, constructing rock or water gardens, or creating sports fields, creating greenroofs and living walls. Larger landscape companies carryout commercial landscape projects as well as maintaining the green areas in our towns and cities. Others may offer a wide range of general skills.

Landscapers use a range of hand and power tools including garden mowers, pruners, spades, forks, cement mixers, stone-cutting saws, chainsaws and climbing equipment.

On small projects Landscapers may work alone or with one or two other staff. On large projects they usually work in teams under the direction of a supervisor.

Working Conditions

Landscapers usually work standard full-time hours but overtime including weekends is often required to meet schedules. Early starts are common. Temporary work may be available at busy times.

Landscapers wear protective clothing including overalls, gloves and safety boots, and use protective equipment such as ear protectors and hard hats when required.

A driving licence may be useful for travelling between sites. Some jobs involve staying away from home.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£15,000

Ending Salary:

£20,500

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

There are opportunities for Landscapers throughout the UK. The majority are employed by landscape contractors and local authority parks departments.

Jobs are also available with heritage organisations, botanical gardens, private and public companies and large estates. Some landscapers are self-employed.

What experienced workers can do

Be able to create plant displays for either interior or exterior sites
Construct features for interior or exterior sites
Liaise with customers and suppliers
Be able to prepare and use relevant tools, equipment and machinery safely
Read plans and designs
Be able to use a range of IT systems.

Personal qualities you should have

Flexibility
Mobility
Friendly and approachable
Able to work in a team or on own.

Next steps

With experience and training, Landscapers may be able to move into supervisory roles. Qualifications such as a HNC/HND in Horticulture may be useful for landscapers who want to progress to landscape management roles.

With appropriate qualifications it may also be possible to move into training or teaching. Landscapers can also become self-employed.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Landscape Supervisor

Read more about Landscape Supervisor

Landscape Supervisors are experienced in dealing with all aspects of garden and landscape design, able to create and look after planting and other features in outdoor and indoor spaces, making the most of the land available and creating attractive environments.

They generally provide a complete design service to clients enabling garden owners to enhance and make the most of their gardens. Outdoor spaces they can work on include: gardens, housing estates, parks, sports grounds and industrial sites.

Landscape Supervisors may choose to specialise in interior landscapes, producing displays of plants and water features to brighten buildings like shopping centres, offices and hospitals.

Some Senior Landscapers may work with clients to design gardens to suit individual requirements and tastes. The design process will take into account people's lifestyles and personal preferences.

Landscape Supervisors tasks vary from project to project but can include:

Discussing ideas with clients, their preferences for particular plants, flowers, colours, and how they want to use the garden
Preparing a summary of the client's requirements and an estimate of the fees, which may include creating the garden designed
Advising clients on maintaining the plants and landscape, or returning at regular intervals to carry out ongoing maintenance
Supervising team of contractors.

Some specialise in skills like paving, constructing rock or water gardens, or creating sports fields, creating green roofs or living walls. Larger landscape companies carryout commercial landscape projects as well as maintaining the green areas in our towns and cities. Others may offer a wide range of general skills.

Working Conditions

Landscape Supervisors usually work standard full-time hours but overtime (sometimes including evenings and weekends) is often required to meet schedules. Early starts are common. Temporary work may be available at busy times.

Many jobs involve working outside in all weather conditions, although interior landscapers work indoors. The work can be very heavy as it can involve digging, pushing loaded wheelbarrows and lifting paving slabs. Conditions may be wet, muddy, very cold or very hot, and there may be noise, fumes and dust from the machinery that is used.

A driving licence may be useful for travelling between sites. Some jobs involve staying away from home.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£15,000

Ending Salary:

£45,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

There are opportunities for Landscape Supervisors throughout the UK. The majority are employed by landscape contractors and local authority parks departments. There are a few opportunities with heritage organisations, botanical gardens, private and public companies and large estates.

With the increase in people becoming interested in the appearance of their gardens there has been an increase in the number of Senior Landscapers going self-employed and specialising in garden design.

What experienced workers can do

Be responsible for a budget
Prepare specifications
Co-ordinate management of planted areas
Plan and conduct field surveys
Design landscape areas
Develop awareness of the environment
Interpret date from surveys
Supervise teams.

Personal qualities you should have

Flexibility
Be able to work as part of a team or on own
Mobility.

Next steps

Qualifications such as a HNC/HND in Horticulture may be useful for Landscape Supervisors who want to progress to landscape management roles.

With appropriate qualifications it may be possible to move into training or teaching. Senior Landscapers can also become self-employed.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Landscape Manager

Read more about Landscape Manager

Landscape Managers specialise in planning, designing, supervising and managing projects relating to the green space environment. They make sure that developments are suitable and advise others on the long-term care of the landscape.

Their work can be found everywhere from inner-city squares to shopping centres, parks, coastlines and countryside. Whether they are transforming a derelict industrial area or designing a landscape to complement a heritage site, Landscape Managers aim to produce pleasant places to live, work and relax that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

There is a huge demand for well-designed green space areas and Landscape Managers are key players in tackling climate change, developing sustainable communities and regenerating towns and cities across the country.

They work on a wide range of landscapes, including:

Nature conservation areas and wildlife parks
Historic gardens
Woodlands (including those used for recreation)
Motorway verges
Public parks
Housing estates.

Landscape Managers rarely carry out practical work but they do use their knowledge of plants and the environment to advise on the long-term, sustainable care and development of the landscape.

Tasks vary from job to job but may include:

Talking to clients about projects
Surveying sites and investigating its resources
Deciding on appropriate sites for features such as footpaths
Consulting those who are near proposed developments
Overseeing the work of employees and contractors
Advising on planning applications and public enquiries
Estimating the costs of constructing the landscape and maintaining it once it is complete

Working Conditions

Landscape Managers in the public sector usually work a standard full-time week, Monday to Friday. This may include evening meetings and additional hours to meet deadlines. Those in private practice may work longer, more irregular hours. Part-time or flexitime work may be available.

Landscape Managers are usually based in an office and may spend a lot of time attending meetings. Some jobs involve travelling to sites and working outdoors in all weather conditions. Walking, often over rough ground, and some climbing may be required. A driving licence may be useful.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£20,000

Ending Salary:

£40,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

Landscape Managers are employed by a number of organisations, including local authorities, national government and charitable organisations. Some work for private sector companies involved in building, civil engineering, mining, power supply and land reclamation or in private landscape practices. There are opportunities throughout the UK.

There are no specific qualifications required for this role but competition is fierce and many have a degree or HNC/HND in a subject, such as environmental science, biology, surveying, geography, ecology or countryside and environmental management.

Voluntary or temporary work may help your career prospects. It may be possible to start in a more practical role as a Landscape Assistant, and after getting training and experience, to apply for jobs in landscape management.

What experienced workers can do

Plan, run and evaluate projects
Recruit, select and keep colleagues
Build and maintain effective customer relations
Co-ordinate the management of planted areas
Estimate resource requirements and programme work for landscaping
Manage a budget for your area/s of responsibility.

Personal qualities you should have

Flexibility
Mobility.

Next steps

Landscape Managers looking to progress may choose to set up their own business or move into positions where they are in charge of large property estates.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Horticultural Technician

Read more about Horticultural Technician

A Horticultural Technician is someone who specialises in a specific area of horticulture, such as quality assurance, irrigation, spraying, glasshouses, soil or is part of a team working in laboratories.

Some of the things a Horticultural Technician could do:

Diagnose and deal with enquiries about plant disease
Check that produce meets required standards
Manage irrigation systems
Manage environmental controls within a production environment.

Working Conditions

Working hours will vary according to the exact nature of the job. You may be called on at all hours to find solutions to problems with technical systems, so flexibility is key. A driving licence is often required to travel between different places of work.

Inspecting and testing produce Identifying problems and finding solutions Comparing with requirements Checking measuring and testing equipment and plant quality Making decisions on quality Keeping records of results.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£16,000

Ending Salary:

£30,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Experience and skills

For most horticultural technicians you will have specialised in a certain area which interests you, for example quality assurance, irrigation, agronomy or seed science.

What experienced workers can do

Skills will vary according to the specialist area of work.

Personal qualities you should have

Knowledge of science and plants
Accuracy and attention to detail
A methodical approach
Patience, perseverance and good concentration
Work well in a team and on own initiative
Flexibility.

Next steps

Horticultural Technicians can progress to more senior positions within the organisation such as lead technician, or they can specialise in jobs like botanist, plant pathologist or agronomist.

Useful links

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association