Creating and maintaining outdoor spaces
is the work of grounds maintenance workers.
Under the direction of a manager,
they ensure that both public and private grounds
are beautiful and healthy.
Landscaping workers are typically employed
by homeowners, apartment or office buildings,
shopping malls, and hotels…
to plant and trim trees, flowers,
and other plants.
Some maintain permanent fixtures,
such as walkways, patios, and decks,
or install lighting and sprinkler systems.
Groundskeeping workers keep properties,
such as parks and businesses,
looking good through every season.
In summer, they care for plants, grass,
and trees…
in fall, they rake and mulch leaves…
and in winter, they clear snow.
They also may maintain parking lots,
fountains, swimming pools, and fences.
Athletic field groundskeepers keep natural
and artificial turf in top condition.
They mark out boundaries,
and paint turf with team logos and names.
At cemeteries,
groundskeepers may use a backhoe
to dig graves.
Greenskeepers maintain golf courses,
from intensive turf maintenance,
to keeping canopies and tee markers
in good repair.
Other workers also help
keep grounds accessible:
pesticide workers apply chemicals
to handle weeds, insects, and diseases.
Tree trimmers and pruners
work high off the ground
to cut away excess branches—
keeping roads and sidewalks safe,
and clearing utility lines.
Many grounds maintenance jobs
are seasonal,
although year-round positions
may be available.
Work is generally outdoors
in all weather conditions,
and involves frequent bending,
kneeling, lifting and shoveling.
Grounds maintenance workers typically
do not require any formal education
and are trained on the job.
Workers who apply pesticides or fertilizers
typically need a high school diploma
or equivalent and must obtain a license.