Median hourly earnings in 2002 of grounds maintenance workers were as follows:
| First-line supervisors/managers of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers | $15.89 |
| Tree trimmers and pruners | 12.07 |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | 11.94 |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers | 9.51 |
Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of landscaping and groundskeeping workers in 2002 were as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools | $13.36 |
| Local government | 11.81 |
| Services to buildings and dwellings | 9.38 |
| Other amusement and recreation industries | 8.92 |
| Lessors of real estate | 8.65 |
| Employment services | 8.05 |
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 those with natural and those with artificial turf in top condition and mark out boundaries and paint turf with team logos and names before events. 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 that other groundskeepers do. 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. 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.
Supervisors of landscaping and groundskeeping workers perform various functions. In addition, supervisors train workers in their tasks; keep employeesÕ time records and record work performed; and even assist workers when deadlines are near.
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.
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation, mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, incorporation into the soil, or application of chemicals onto trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
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.
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 favorable job opportunities. High turnover will generate a large number of job openings to replace workers who leave the occupation.
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 2012. Expected growth in the construction of all types of buildings requiring lawn care and maintenance, from office buildings to shopping malls and residential housing, plus more highways and parks, will contribute to 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 appealÓ 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.
Homeowners are a growing source of demand for grounds maintenance workers. Because many two-income households lack the time to take care of the lawn, they are increasingly hiring people to maintain it for them. They also know that a nice yard will increase the propertyÕs 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 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.
There usually are no minimum educational requirements for entry-level positions in grounds maintenance, although a diploma is necessary for some jobs. In 2002, 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 procedures. 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 Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) offers the designations "Certified Landscape Professional (Exterior and Interior)Ó and "Certified Landscape Technician (Exterior or Interior)Ó 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. The Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) offers the designations "Certified Turfgrass ProfessionalÓ (CTP) and "Certified Ornamental Landscape ProfessionalÓ (COLP), which require written exams.
Some workers with groundskeeping backgrounds may start their own businesses after several years of experience.
Grounds maintenance workers perform most of their work outdoors and have some knowledge of plants and soils. Others whose jobs may require that they work outdoors are agricultural workers; farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers; forest, conservation, and logging workers; landscape architects; and biological scientists.
For career and certification information on tree trimmers and pruners, contact:
For information on work as a landscaping and groundskeeping worker, contact either of the following organizations:
For information on becoming a licensed pesticide applicator, contact your StateÕs Department of Agriculture or Department of Environmental Protection (or Conservation), most of which are accessible from the following Web site: http://npic.orst.edu/state1.htm
Governments of States which ratify or accede to the Convention undertake to apply its provisions by adopting the necessary measures. They undertake to ensure that migrant workers whose rights have been violated may seek judicial remedy. Human rights and migrant workers The migrant worker is not a product of the twentieth century. Women and men have been leaving their homelands in search of work elsewhere ever since payment in return for labour was introduced. Equally, most of them are unaware of the human rights protection and fundamental freedoms which they are guaranteed under international treaties and national laws.
Summary of: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/2/fs24.htm
Most workers learn through short-term on-the-job training. 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.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos172.htm
Workers in landscaping, groundskeeping, nursery, greenhouse, and lawn service occupations are responsible for 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. They must determine the type and amount of labor, equipment, and materials needed to complete a project, and inspect work at various stages of completion. Some work exclusively on large properties, such as office buildings and shopping malls, whereas others also provide these services to residential customers. Groundskeepers who care for athletic fields keep natural and artificial turf fields in top condition and mark out boundaries and paint turf with team logos and names before events.
Summary of: http://www.jobbankusa.com/ohb/ohb172.html
Workers must also be careful not to stare directly into the players' eyes, as this will be perceived as a sign of aggression. If workers find themselves in a potentially violent situation with a player, their best response is to remain calm, stand as tall as possible to establish social dominance and back away slowly. Do not turn your back on the player at any time. While defensive barriers are suggested for Shea Stadium, workers are reminded that warning tracks are to remain warning tracks. They should not be transformed into moats.
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SEATTLE - The Boeing Company, the world leader in airplane production, is shut down tight, as its 32,000 workers launched a nationwide strike on Oct. 6 after rejecting, by margin of 76 to 24 percent, a "final" company offer studded with takeaways. Boeing also employees more than 7,500 union members at its plant in Wichita, Kansas and smaller numbers in plants near Portland, Ore. Support was also forthcoming from IAM President George Kourpias and from John Sweeney, president of the Service Employees Union and candidate for AFL-CIO president. Especially rankling is the company policy of off loading, or contracting out, the manufacture of aircraft components to (often non-union) contractors in Mexico, Poland, China and Alabama.
Summary of: http://www.pww.org/archives95/95-10-14-1.html
Workers may help brick and stone masons. Because the number of golf courses, public parks, community and residential properties has been growing, the need for gardening and groundskeeping has increased. Advancement With experience and more training, Gardeners and Groundskeepers can promote to supervisor, landscape manager, or contractor/owner of a private landscaping business. Those looking for this kind of work should also apply directly to landscape maintenance and gardening firms, golf courses, and nurseries. These workers also trim hedges, prune trees, spray herbicides and pesticides, mow lawns, and remove rubbish.
Summary of: http://64.57.102.78/CALGOLD2/calcareer/gardnr.html
In letters to the Department of Labor Relations, the director of Facilities and Grounds and University President Richard L. One 15-year department veteran has been turned down for promotions over those he described as relative novices. In a College Avenue conference room, Facilities and Grounds employees met with members of their union, the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. In that case, employees and management would meet in a trial-like environment in front of the Public Employee\'s Relations Commission. Attending the closed meeting were Facilities and Grounds Department Director Diane Cravette and Anthony Sgro, a supervisor on the Cook/Douglass campus.
Summary of: http://www.dailytargum.com/news/2004/12/07/PageOne/Grounds.Workers.Charge.Prejudice-823355.shtml
These are some of the symptoms of heat stress. It's important for both you and your employees to recognize the symptoms and know how to avoid a life-threatening situation. Excess salt can build up in the body if water is not replenished. Fainting and vomiting also may occur. According to OSHA, the condition responds readily to prompt treatment but should not be ignored.
Summary of: http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_taking_heat/
Most workers learn through short-term on-the-job training. 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.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos172.htm
Most workers learn through short-term on-the-job training. 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. Some groundskeeping workers specialize in caring for cemeteries and memorial gardens.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos172.htm