Why We Love It
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$27,460Potential Avg. Salary
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6.1%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
A Greenskeeper is a specialized gardener that is in charge of maintaining landscaping on golf courses and at country clubs, in accordance with department standards. In this role, one usually works under the supervision of the golf course superintendent.
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What is a Greenskeeper?
Duties
The duties of a greenskeeper are as specified below:
- Closely comply with maintenance protocols for equipment assigned to preserve the grounds, e.g. tractors, lawn mowers, etc. This includes observing fuel and fluid levels and reporting to the mechanic if there are any issues.
- Provide assistance regarding new construction such as fairways, greens and tees by grading and preparing the soil base, laying the sod, etc.
- Take responsibility for the application and evaluation of chemicals and pesticides used on the assigned gold course, under directions from a certified applicator.
- Direct and assist workers engaged in specific tasks such as mechanical equipment repairs, irrigating, raking, seeding, fertilizing and mowing the grounds.
- Confer with other staff such as the golf course superintendent to assess both ongoing and new work projects.
Day In The Life
These aspiring to become greenskeepers can look forward to working in spectacular surroundings to maintain and care for a property’s golf courses. Daily work duties revolve around managing the natural terrain (e.g. ponds, sand traps, trees) and looking after the condition of flags, benches, tee markers and holes. Your expertise is handy through the year when you have to relocate holes and flags periodically to create new challenges for clients on the golf course. Various tournaments also require specific placement of flags and holes. In addition, the greenskeeper is in charge of operating or supervising the operation of machinery and equipment such as trimmers, tractors, power mowers, leaf blowers, fly-mos and backpack blowers to keep the property in top shape.
Work Schedule
Greenskeepers can find a range of full-time employment opportunities but seasonal work is occasionally available as well. Work is carried out 6 days of the week, from early morning to afternoon (e.g. 6 am to 12 pm). The hours may vary due to inclement weather conditions and business demands. Days off are sometimes irregular and depends on senior management. Most of the work is done in well-kept outdoor environments surrounded by recreational and residential facilities.
Growth Of The Job
Job prospects in this career sector are promising, with opportunities expected to increase much faster than the national average for all other occupations, at 18% through 2018. The demand for such professionals will arise from an increased culture of golfing and a growing population as a whole. Those greenskeepers that hold sufficient field experience will find ample job opportunities in this industry. Further, there will be more openings due to the need to replace existing positions as older professionals look to retire, leave or transfer to another field of work.
Typical Employers
Work for a Greenskeeper can be found across the country but there is a greater concentration of employers in warmer climates, where golf courses are in demand throughout the year. For instance, you are likely to find diverse job opportunities as a greenskeeper, at golf courses and private club properties located in Texas, California, New York, and Illinois.
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How To Become a Greenskeeper
You must at least possess a high school diploma to be successful as a greenskeeper. However, there are some employers who also require a specialised coursework in relevant fields such as business, landscaping, equipment repair, arboriculture or horticulture. It is very common for positions to include on the job training to provide foundational skills and experience. During this time, new hires become familiar with the operation of a wide variety of equipment and the protocols for maintaining safety on the grounds. Some are required to shadow experienced workers to closely observe and perform the tasks efficiently. There are also training programs available at a few country clubs that welcome interested applicants in this field.
Anyone considering a career as a greenskeeper, should consider whether they have a strong interest in the outdoors and possess good physical stamina. The work can be challenging and involves moving around through the day paying close attention to landscape designs at various golf courses. You should also be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of golf as a game, including the applicable rules and maintenance processes. Moreover, a good greenskeeper possesses great communication skills to coordinate with different colleagues and sometimes, interact with players directly.
Greenskeeper Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$20,820Average
$27,460High Range
$39,520National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$10/hrAverage
$13/hrHigh Range
$19/hrHow do Greenskeeper salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Greenskeeper's can make an average annual salary of $27,460, or $13 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $20,820 or $10 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#739 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Greenskeepers
- 0.2% Doctorate
- 0.9% Masters
- 5.7% Bachelors
- 4.5% Associates
- 15.2% College
- 34.2% High School
- 39.2% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
1,167,8002024 Est. Jobs
1,239,600Job Growth Rate
6.1%Est. New Jobs
71,800How does Greenskeeper job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 71,800 jobs for a total of 1,239,600 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 6.1% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#364 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Greenskeepers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaping services | 464,300 | 32,700 | 33% |
| Self-employed workers | 285,500 | 8,800 | 9% |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 80,500 | 4,500 | 5% |
