You must have heard of a greenskeeper before and thought the name is strange, well it is not odd at all. An expert gardener known as a “Greenskeeper” is responsible for keeping the landscaping on golf courses and at country clubs up to departmental requirements. In this position, one typically works under the golf course superintendent.
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Duties of A Greenskeeper
Below are the responsibilities listed for a greenskeeper:
- Follow the instructions for maintaining any machinery used to maintain the grounds, such as tractors, lawnmowers, etc. This entails checking the gasoline and fluid levels and informing the mechanic of any problems.
- The grading of the soil base and laying the sod, etc., assists with new construction such as fairways, greens, and tees.
- Under guidance from a qualified applicator, assume responsibility for using insecticides and pesticides on the designated gold course and for their application and evaluation.
- Instruct and support personnel performing specialized activities, such as irrigation, raking, sowing, fertilizing, and mowing the lawn or fixing mechanical equipment.
- To evaluate both continuing and brand-new job projects, consult with other employees, such as the superintendent of the golf course.
The Job Description
Aspiring greenskeepers can anticipate working in breathtaking settings to maintain and take care of a property’s golf courses. Managing the natural landscape (such as ponds, sand traps, and trees) and maintaining the condition of the flags, benches, tee markers, and holes are the main daily tasks.
Your knowledge comes in helpful all year long when you need to periodically move flags and holes to give customers on the golf course fresh challenges. Additionally, different tournaments have different flag and hole requirements.
In order to maintain the property in top condition, the greenskeeper is also in charge of operating or monitoring the operation of machinery and equipment such trimmers, tractors, power mowers, leaf blowers, fly-moss, and backpack blowers.
Job Scheduling
Although there are many full-time job options for greenkeepers, there are also a few seasonal jobs on occasion. Six days a week, from early morning to late afternoon, work is done (e.g. 6 am to 12 pm). The hours may change depending on the weather and the needs of the business. Days off can be erratic and are determined by senior management. The majority of the job is carried out in neat outdoor settings that are encircled by housing and entertainment facilities.
The Job’s Growth
The employment outlook for this industry is positive, with opportunities predicted to grow at a rate substantially faster than the national average for all occupations, or 18%, through 2018.
A rising population and a burgeoning golfing culture will lead to an increase in demand for these specialists. Greenskeepers with enough practical experience will have little trouble finding work in this sector.
Additionally, as older professionals choose to retire, leave their jobs, or switch to another industry, there will be additional opportunities owing to the necessity to fill vacant positions.
Getting Started as a Greenkeeper
High school graduation is a minimum requirement for employment as a greenskeeper. However, some businesses additionally demand specialized coursework in pertinent subjects like business, horticulture, landscaping, equipment repair, or arboriculture.
On-the-job training is frequently used in employment to provide core knowledge and experience. During this time, new employees learn how a variety of equipment operates and the procedures for upholding the grounds’ safety.
To carefully watch and complete the tasks efficiently, some are required to labor in the shadows of experienced workers. A few country clubs also provide training programs in this area and welcome interested candidates.
Anyone thinking about working as a greenskeeper should think about if they have a great passion for the outdoors and are physically fit. Moving about all day while paying close attention to the landscape designs at various golf courses is part of the demanding profession.
Additionally, you must be able to show that you have a thorough understanding of the game of golf, including all relevant laws and upkeep procedures. Skilled greenskeeper also has excellent communication skills, which they use to work with various coworkers and occasionally communicate with players.
A Greenskeeper Pay
A greenkeeper gets a national average of $27,460 and the average pay per hour is $13.
This information is from a recently conducted research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How much money does a Greenkeeper make compared to other jobs?
According to the most recent data on employment across the country, greenkeepers can earn an average yearly pay of $27,460, or $13 per hour. It is therefore a higher-than-average wage. When just starting out or depending on the state you live in, they may make $20,820 or $10 per hour on the low end.
How has the growth of Greenkeeper jobs compared to other occupations?
For a total of 1,239,600 persons working in the field nationwide by 2024, there will be a change of 71,800 employment. Over the next 10 years, growth will change by 6.1%, giving the career a below-average growth rate nationally.
