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Grounds Maintenance Workers
Significant Points
Opportunities should be very good, especially for workers willing to
work seasonal or variable schedules, because of significant job turnover
and increasing demand by landscaping services companies.
Many beginning jobs have low earnings and are physically demanding.
Most workers learn through short-term on-the-job training.
Nature of the Work
Attractively designed, healthy, and well-maintained lawns, gardens,
and grounds create a positive first impression, establish a peaceful
mood, and increase property values. Grounds maintenance workers perform
the variety of tasks necessary to achieve a pleasant and functional outdoor
environment. They also care for indoor gardens and plantings in commercial
and public facilities, such as malls, hotels, and botanical gardens.
The duties of landscaping workers and groundskeeping workers are similar
and often overlap. Landscaping workers physically install and maintain
landscaped areas. They grade property, install lighting or sprinkler
systems, and build walkways, terraces, patios, decks, and fountains.
In addition to initially transporting and planting new vegetation, they
transplant, mulch, fertilize, and water flowering plants, trees, and
shrubs and mow and water lawns. A growing number of residential and commercial
clients, such as managers of office buildings, shopping malls, multiunit
residential buildings, and hotels and motels, favor full-service landscape
maintenance. Landscaping workers perform a range of duties, including
mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, dethatching, and mulching for
such clients on a regular basis during the growing season.
Groundskeeping workers, also called groundskeepers, maintain a variety
of facilities, including athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, university
campuses, and parks. In addition to caring for sod, plants, and trees,
they rake and mulch leaves, clear snow from walkways and parking lots,
and use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption
and prevent waste. They see to the proper upkeep and repair of sidewalks,
parking lots, groundskeeping equipment, pools, fountains, fences, planters,
and benches.
Groundskeeping workers who care for athletic fields keep natural and
artificial turf in top condition, mark out boundaries, and before events
paint turf with team logos and names. They must make sure that the underlying
soil on fields with natural turf has the required composition to allow
proper drainage and to support the grasses used on the field. Groundskeeping
workers mow, water, fertilize, and aerate the fields regularly. They
also vacuum and disinfect synthetic turf after its use, in order to prevent
the growth of harmful bacteria, and they remove the turf and replace
the cushioning pad periodically.
Workers who maintain golf courses are called greenskeepers. Greenskeepers
do many of the same things as other groundskeepers. In addition, greenskeepers
periodically relocate the holes on putting greens to eliminate uneven
wear of the turf and to add interest and challenge to the game. Greenskeepers
also keep canopies, benches, ball washers, and tee markers repaired and
freshly painted.
Some groundskeeping workers specialize in caring for cemeteries and
memorial gardens. They dig graves to specified depths, generally using
a backhoe. They mow grass regularly, apply fertilizers and other chemicals,
prune shrubs and trees, plant flowers, and remove debris from graves.
Groundskeeping workers in parks and recreation facilities care for lawns,
trees, and shrubs, maintain athletic fields and playgrounds, clean buildings,
and keep parking lots, picnic areas, and other public spaces free of
litter. They also may remove snow and ice from roads and walkways, erect
and dismantle snow fences, and maintain swimming pools. These workers
inspect buildings and equipment, make needed repairs, and keep everything
freshly painted.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers use handtools such as shovels,
rakes, pruning and regular saws, hedge and brush trimmers, and axes,
as well as power lawnmowers, chain saws, snowblowers, and electric clippers.
Some use equipment such as tractors and twin-axle vehicles. Landscaping
and groundskeeping workers at parks, schools, cemeteries, and golf courses
may use sod cutters to harvest sod that will be replanted elsewhere.
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation, mix pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides and apply them through sprays,
dusts, vapors into the soil, or onto trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical
crops. Those working for chemical lawn service firms are more specialized,
inspecting lawns for problems and applying fertilizers , herbicides,
pesticides, and other chemicals to stimulate growth and prevent or control
weeds, diseases, or insect infestation. Many practice integrated pest-management
techniques.
Tree trimmers and pruners cut away dead or excess branches from trees
or shrubs either to maintain rights-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities
or to improve the appearance, health, and value of trees. Some of these
workers also specialize in pruning, triming, and shaping ornamental trees
and shrubs for private residences, golf courses, or other institutional
grounds. Tree trimmers and pruners use handsaws, pruning hooks, shears,
and clippers. When trimming near power lines, they usually use truck-mounted
lifts and power pruners.
Supervisors of landscaping and groundskeeping workers perform various
functions. They prepare cost estimates, schedule work for crews on the
basis of weather conditions or the availability of equipment, perform
spot checks to ensure the quality of the service, and suggest changes
in work procedures. In addition, supervisors train workers in their tasks;
keep employees’ time records and record work performed; and even
assist workers when deadlines are near. Supervisors who own their own
business are also known as landscape contractors. They may also call
themselves landscape designers if they create landscape design plans.
Supervisors of tree trimmers and pruners are often referred to as arborists.
Arborists specialize in the care of individual trees and are trained
and equipped to provide proper care. Some arborists plant trees, and
most can recommend types of trees that are appropriate for a specific
location, as the wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future
problems as a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or
poor growth. Arborists are employed by cities to improve urban green
space, utilities to maintain power distribution networks, companies to
care for residential and commercial properties, as well as many other
settings.
Working Conditions
Many of the jobs for grounds maintenance workers are seasonal, meaning
that they are in demand mainly in the spring, summer, and fall, when
most planting, mowing, trimming, and cleanup are necessary. Most of the
work is performed outdoors in all kinds of weather. It can be physically
demanding and repetitive, involving much bending, lifting, and shoveling.
Workers in landscaping and groundskeeping may be under pressure to get
the job completed, especially when they are preparing for scheduled events
such as athletic competitions.
Those who work with pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, as
well as dangerous equipment and tools such as power lawnmowers, chain
saws, and power clippers, must exercise safety precautions. Workers who
use motorized equipment must take care to protect themselves against
hearing damage.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
There usually are no minimum educational requirements for entry-level
positions in grounds maintenance, although a diploma is necessary for
some jobs. In 2004, most workers had a high school education or less.
Short-term on-the-job training generally is sufficient to teach new hires
how to operate equipment such as mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, and
small tractors and to follow correct safety procedures. Entry-level workers
must be able to follow directions and learn proper planting and maintenance
procedures for their localities. They also must learn how to repair the
equipment they’re using. If driving is an essential part of a job,
employers look for applicants with a good driving record and some experience
driving a truck. Employers also look for responsible, self-motivated
individuals because grounds maintenance workers often work with little
supervision. Workers who deal directly with customers must get along
well with people.
Laborers who demonstrate a willingness to work hard and quickly, have
good communication skills, and take an interest in the business may advance
to crew leader or other supervisory positions. Advancement or entry into
positions such as grounds manager and landscape contractor usually requires
some formal education beyond high school and several years of progressively
more responsible experience.
Most States require certification for workers who apply pesticides.
Certification requirements vary, but usually include passing a test on
the proper and safe use and disposal of insecticides, herbicides, and
fungicides. Some States require that landscape contractors be licensed.
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) offers certification
to grounds managers who have a combination of 8 years of experience and
formal education beyond high school and who pass an examination covering
subjects such as equipment management, personnel management, environmental
issues, turf care, ornamentals, and circulatory systems. The PGMS also
offers certification to groundskeepers who have a high school diploma
or equivalent, plus 2 years of experience in the grounds maintenance
field.
The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) offers the designations "Certified
Landscape Professional" (Exterior and Interior) and "Certified
Landscape Technician" (Exterior or Interior) to those who meet established
education and experience standards and who pass a specific examination.
The hands-on test for technicians covers areas such as the operation
of maintenance equipment and the installation of plants by reading a
plan. A written safety test also is administered. PLANET also offers
the designations "Certified Turfgrass Professional" (CTP) and "Certified
Ornamental Landscape Professional" (COLP), which require written
exams.
Some workers with groundskeeping backgrounds may start their own businesses
after several years of experience.
Employment
Grounds maintenance workers held about 1.5 million jobs in 2004. Employment
was distributed as follows:
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers 1,177,000
First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping
workers 184,000
Tree trimmers and pruners 55,000
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation 30,000
Grounds maintenance workers, all other 21,000
About one-third of the workers in grounds maintenance were employed
in companies providing landscaping services to buildings and dwellings.
Others worked for property management and real-estate development firms,
lawn and garden equipment and supply stores, and amusement and recreation
facilities, such as golf courses and racetracks. Some were employed by
local governments, installing and maintaining landscaping for parks,
schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
Almost 1 out of every 4 grounds maintenance workers was self-employed,
providing landscape maintenance directly to customers on a contract basis.
About 1 of every 7 worked part time; about 8% were of school age.
Job Outlook
Those interested in grounds maintenance occupations should find plentiful
job opportunities in the future. Demand for their services is growing,
and because wages for beginners are low and the work is physically demanding,
many employers have difficulty attracting enough workers to fill all
openings, creating very good job opportunities. In addition, high turnover
will generate a large number of job openings, including at the supervisory
and managerial level.
More workers also will be needed to keep up with increasing demand by
lawn care and landscaping companies. Employment of grounds maintenance
workers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2014. Expected growth in the construction of all types
of buildings, from office buildings to shopping malls and residential
housing, plus more highways and parks, will increase demand for grounds
maintenance workers. In addition, the upkeep and renovation of existing
landscaping and grounds are continuing sources of demand for grounds
maintenance workers. Owners of many buildings and facilities recognize
the importance of “curb appeal” in attracting business and
maintaining the value of the property and are expected to use grounds
maintenance services more extensively to maintain and upgrade their properties.
Grounds maintenance workers working for State and local governments,
however, may face budget cuts, which may affect hiring.
Homeowners are a growing source of demand for grounds maintenance workers.
Many two-income households lack the time to take care of their lawn so
they are increasingly hiring people to maintain it for them. They also
know that a nice yard will increase the property’s value. In addition,
there is a growing interest by homeowners in their backyards, as well
as a desire to make the yards more attractive for outdoor entertaining.
With many newer homes having more and bigger windows overlooking the
yard, it becomes more important to maintain and beautify the grounds.
Also, as the population ages, more elderly homeowners will require lawn
care services to help maintain their yards.
Job opportunities for tree trimmers and pruners should also increase
as utility companies step up pruning of trees around electric lines to
prevent power outages. Additionally, tree trimmers and pruners will be
needed to help combat infestations caused by new species of insects from
other countries. Ash trees in Michigan, for example, have been especially
hurt by a pest from China.
Job opportunities for nonseasonal work are more numerous in regions
with temperate climates, where landscaping and lawn services are required
all year. However, opportunities may vary with local economic conditions.
Earnings
Median hourly earnings in May 2004 of grounds maintenance workers were
as follows:
First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping
workers $16.99
Tree trimmers and pruners 12.57
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation 12.30
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers 9.82
Grounds maintenance workers, all other 9.57
Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers
of landscaping and groundskeeping workers in May 2004 were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools $13.25
Local government 11.25
Services to buildings and dwellings 9.78
Other amusement and recreation industries 9.14
Employment services 8.64
SOURCE
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos172.htm
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