Groundskeeper Resume Guide

Groundskeepers are responsible for the upkeep of public areas, parks, and gardens. This includes tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. In some cases, they may also be responsible for maintaining sports fields or other outdoor facilities.

Your green thumb and attention to detail would make any grounds look pristine. To get your foot in the door of your dream landscaping company, you need to write a resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Groundskeeper Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Groundskeeper Resume Sample

Haley Toy
Groundskeeper

[email protected]
534-580-2903
linkedin.com/in/haley-toy

Summary

Detail-oriented groundskeeper with 4+ years of experience in maintaining the aesthetic appeal and safety of outdoor spaces. At XYZ, managed a crew of 8 people and was responsible for the upkeep of 200 acres of land. Consistently recognized as a hard worker who goes above and beyond to get the job done right.

Experience

Groundskeeper, Company ABC
Fort Worth, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Landscaped and maintained the grounds of a 5-acre estate, including cutting grass, trimming hedges, planting flowers and trees, and removing debris.
  • Facilitated the successful growth and development of over 200 different species of plants and flowers by expertly managing irrigation systems and soil health.
  • Successfully completed all assigned landscaping projects within budget and ahead of schedule; optimized workflows to reduce project completion time by 15%.
  • Introduced new methods for pest control and weed management which resulted in a 50% reduction in pesticide use on the property.
  • Regularly inspected the grounds for signs of damage or wear, reporting any issues to management in a timely manner.

Groundskeeper, Company XYZ
St. Paul, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Revised the irrigation system for the entire property, cutting down on water usage by 20%.
  • Represented the company in multiple green industry trade shows and events.
  • Proficiently operated a variety of lawn care equipment, including mowers, trimmers and edgers.
  • Improved the appearance of the grounds by planting new shrubs and flowers in key areas.
  • Fertilized and treated the grass to control weeds and pests; achieved a 95% reduction in complaints from residents about overgrown vegetation within 6 months.

Skills

  • Time Management
  • Teamwork
  • Landscaping
  • Team Leadership
  • Communication
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Inventory Management

Education

High School Diploma
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Groundskeeper
Professional Grounds Management Society
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

Your resume summary/objective is like an elevator pitch – it should give the employer a brief overview of your skills and experience as a groundskeeper.

Here is where you can highlight your most relevant qualifications, such as your experience operating landscaping equipment, knowledge of horticulture, and ability to lift heavy objects. You could also mention any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work in this field.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Seasoned groundskeeper with 5+ years of experience tending to outdoor spaces and gardens. Expert in lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal. At previous job, increased efficiency by 15% via process improvements that I developed and implemented. Seeking to leverage expertise to become the next head groundskeeper at ABC School District.

Well-rounded groundskeeper with 5+ years of experience in maintaining the appearance and safety of commercial and residential properties. Proven ability to operate a wide range of lawn care equipment and perform general repairs. Recognized as an excellent team player who always goes above and beyond to get the job done right. At XYZ, increased client satisfaction by 15% through prompt resolution of all maintenance requests.

Diligent groundskeeper with more than 10 years of experience in the maintenance and upkeep of commercial and residential properties. Skilled in using a variety of tools and equipment to perform tasks such as mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, aerating lawns, and removing debris. Experienced in performing minor repairs on buildings and outdoor structures.

Passionate groundskeeper with over a decade of experience in providing high-quality landscaping and maintenance services. At XYZ, oversaw the upkeep of 50 acres of land, including mowing, edging, trimming, and planting. Implemented an irrigation system that saved the company $15,000 per year in water costs. Recognized as “Employee of the Month” 3 times for going above and beyond expectations.

Proficient groundskeeper with more than 10 years of experience in landscaping, horticulture, and general maintenance. At previous positions increased customer satisfaction ratings by an average of 12% due to the high level of detail put into every job. Hoping to bring that same dedication to ABC company as the new groundskeeper.

Energetic and experienced groundskeeper with 5+ years of experience in maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of commercial and residential properties. Proven ability to operate a variety of lawn care equipment and machinery. Skilled in performing various landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, planting, etc. Committed to providing excellent customer service at all times.

Committed groundskeeper with 6+ years of experience in landscaping and maintaining outdoor spaces. Skilled in using a variety of tools and equipment to carry out assigned tasks, such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, pruners, etc. In previous roles increased efficiency by 30% through the development and implementation of new workflows. At present looking for a challenging role at ABC company where I can use my skills to contribute to the upkeep of beautiful grounds.

Accomplished groundskeeper with over a decade of experience in maintaining the appearance and safety of commercial and residential properties. At XYZ, managed a team of 12 workers responsible for daily upkeep, including mowing, weeding, mulching, leaf removal, etc. Reduced costs by 20% through effective resource management. Recognized as “Employee of the Month” 3 times for outstanding performance.

Enthusiastic groundskeeper with more than 7 years of experience tending to outdoor spaces and gardens. In previous roles, maintained cleanliness and orderliness of both public and private grounds while adhering to strict safety standards. Seeking to join the team at ABC Gardens where I can continue honing my skills and perfecting my craft.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section is next, and it should be written in reverse chronological order. This means your most recent job is listed first.

When describing what you did in each role, use bullet points. This will make the information easier for the reader to take in. Make sure to include specific details about what you did and any results achieved.

For example, rather than saying “Mowed lawns,” you could say, “Operated a commercial-grade mower to manicure 25 acres of land weekly; increased customer satisfaction ratings by 27% due to improved appearance of grounds.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Maintained
  • Cleaned
  • Landscaped
  • Pruned
  • Planted
  • Irrigated
  • Fertilized
  • Raked
  • Shoveled
  • Spread
  • Cut
  • Removed
  • Cleared
  • Watered
  • Repaired

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Coordinated
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Developed and maintained landscaping for a 12-acre property, including trimming hedges, planting flowers and shrubs, and laying down fresh mulch every season.
  • Competently operated a variety of lawn care equipment, such as power mowers, edgers, trimmers and leaf blowers; completed all assigned tasks within the specified timeframe.
  • Mentored 2 junior groundskeepers in the proper use of tools and safety procedures; both achieved certification within 6 months with zero accidents or incidents.
  • Cut grass on over 200 lawns per week during the summer season; increased customer satisfaction ratings by 17%.
  • Structured work schedule to include regular breaks for lunch and rest periods; lowered staff turnover rate by 23%.
  • Removed debris and leaves from all outdoor areas on a daily basis, ensuring that the grounds were kept tidy at all times.
  • Raked and mulched flower beds, trimmed hedges and shaped topiary sculptures to maintain an immaculate appearance of the property.
  • Prepared soil for planting, sowed grass seed in bare patches and watered lawns regularly to ensure optimal growth conditions.
  • Diligently removed weeds by hand from all garden beds; prevented the use of harmful herbicides and pesticides.
  • Cleaned gutters, downspouts and drains on a bi-weekly basis to prevent water damage to the building exterior; power-washed walkways, patios & driveways as needed.
  • Utilized a variety of hand tools, power equipment and chemicals to maintain the appearance of the grounds; regularly trimmed hedges, pulled weeds and raked leaves.
  • Irrigated lawns, gardens and flower beds using an automatic sprinkler system; applied fertilizers and pesticides as needed.
  • Planted annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs in designated areas; monitored growth and health of plants, removing dead or dying vegetation.
  • Consistently achieved high standards of neatness and cleanliness in all work areas; routinely cleaned up debris & litter from sidewalks, parking lots & common areas.
  • Spread mulch around trees, shrubs & flower beds to help control weed growth & retain moisture levels in the soil; replaced mulch as needed throughout the year.
  • Reorganized the groundskeeping shed and storage area, increasing efficiency by 30%.
  • Thoroughly cleaned the pool and surrounding deck area every morning before opening hours; lowered complaints about the cleanliness of the facilities by 12%.
  • Compiled a report on the condition of all landscaping features on the property (trees, shrubs, flower beds) and presented it to management every month.
  • Presented ideas for new landscaping projects to management and helped implement them once approved; increased curb appeal by 20%.
  • Watered plants in all common areas daily and ensured that they were free of pests; decreased plant death rate by 10%.
  • Achieved a 25% reduction in groundskeeping costs by implementing more efficient irrigation practices.
  • Assessed the condition of all outdoor areas on a daily basis and took proactive measures to prevent any deterioration of the property.
  • Reduced the amount of time spent on leaf removal by 30% through the use of new power equipment.
  • Cleared leaves and debris from all gutters, downspouts and catch basins on a bi-weekly basis to prevent flooding.
  • Confidently operated a variety of power equipment, including lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, blowers and chainsaws.
  • Shoveled snow, leaves and debris from walkways, driveways and parking lots on a daily basis.
  • Spearheaded the installation of a new irrigation system that saved the company $600 in water bills every month.
  • Accurately mixed and applied herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers to lawns, gardens and flower beds as per schedule; ensured that no harmful chemicals seeped into groundwater or nearby streams/lakes.
  • Streamlined groundskeeping operations by developing a more efficient work plan that reduced overall costs by 10%.
  • Coordinated with landscapers, arborists and other outside contractors to ensure that all work was completed according to specifications and within budget.
  • Independently managed the upkeep of 10 acres of land, including mowing, edging, blowing, weeding, trimming hedges/shrubs and raking leaves.
  • Demonstrated excellent horticultural knowledge when advising customers on plant selection, soil type and watering schedules; successfully sold over $1,500 worth of plants/seeds.
  • Pruned trees and shrubs according to industry best practices; increased the health & longevity of plants by 30%.
  • Formulated a new landscape design for the front entrance of the property that saved an estimated $500 in annual maintenance costs.
  • Repaired tools and equipment used for landscaping and groundskeeping, such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers and tillers.
  • Maintained the cleanliness and orderliness of the grounds at all times; regularly swept walkways, removed debris and trimmed hedges/shrubs.
  • Substantially improved the appearance of the property by planting new flowers, trees and shrubs in empty spaces; also installed a new irrigation system to reduce water wastage by 30%.
  • Participated in regular landscape maintenance activities such as mowing grass, raking leaves & clearing snow; completed these tasks within allotted timeframes without compromising on quality or safety standards.
  • Expedited turnaround times for special projects by working additional hours when needed; helped complete an outdoor seating area renovation project 2 weeks ahead of schedule.

3. Skills

Skills that are relevant to the position of groundskeeper will vary depending on the employer. For example, one company might prefer candidates who have experience operating a Bobcat while another might be more interested in those with expertise in landscaping design.

It is essential to keep this in mind when crafting your resume because many employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These computer programs scan resumes for specific keywords before passing them on to human reviewers.

In order to make sure your resume makes it through an ATS, you should include skills that are specified in the job posting. You can further elaborate on these skills later on in your resume, such as in the summary or experience section.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Communication
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Inventory Management
  • Landscaping
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no work experience, your education should be mentioned below your resume objective. However, if you have significant work experience you want to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.

If an education section is included, mention courses and subjects studied that are relevant to groundskeeper job responsibilities. Examples include “Courses focused on horticulture, landscaping and turf management” and “Successfully completed a semester-long project designing and implementing a new landscape plan for the school campus.”

High School Diploma
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications allow you to prove to a potential employer that you have been tested in a given field by a reputable organization. Being certified shows that you are that much more proficient than other applicants.

If the job advert emphasizes safety or First Aid training, then including your certification in these areas could tip the scales in your favor when it comes to being offered an interview.

Certified Groundskeeper
Professional Grounds Management Society
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Haley Toy, this would be Haley-Toy-resume.pdf or Haley-Toy-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Providing a cover letter alongside your resume gives hiring managers a more well-rounded view of who you are as a professional. It’s an opportunity to elaborate on your skills, accomplishments and experience in a way that your resume cannot.

A cover letter is usually made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs and should be concise yet informative. If done right, it can be the deciding factor in whether or not you get called for an interview.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Erna,

I am writing to apply for the Groundskeeper position at your school. As a highly detail-oriented and experienced groundskeeper, I possess the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute to the maintenance of your facilities.

In my current role as Groundskeeper at [school name], I am responsible for all aspects of maintaining the school grounds, including mowing lawns, trimming hedges, watering plants, and removing debris. In addition, I also perform minor repairs and upkeep of equipment used on the grounds. Through my efforts, I have helped to create a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors.

I am confident that I can provide similar contributions to your school. In addition to my experience in groundskeeping duties, I also have a strong knowledge of horticulture principles which would enable me to expertly care for your landscaping features. My positive attitude and willingness to take on new tasks would also make me an asset on your team.

If you are looking for a hardworking and reliable individual to maintain your school grounds, then please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you in advance for your time; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Groundskeeper Resume Templates

Axolotl
Bonobo
Dugong
Echidna
Fossa
Gharial
Hoopoe
Jerboa
Kinkajou
Lorikeet
Markhor
Numbat
Ocelot
Pika
Quokka
Rhea
Saola