Greenkeeper
Look after sports grounds and make sure the turf is always in top condition.
About the job
What it's like
You would look after sports grounds, such as football, cricket and rugby pitches, bowling greens, tennis courts, racecourses and golf courses.
Your main responsibility would be to manage the soil and grass to make sure the turf is always in top condition.
You would:
Prepare land for turf to be laid
Apply nutrients
Roll and mow the turf
Identify and control weeds
Set out and mark lines on surfaces
Install and maintain equipment like nets, posts and protective covers
Maintain irrigation and drainage systems
Look after surrounding areas - plant displays, concrete or tarmac
Operate equipment like hedge cutters, strimmers and ride-on mowers
Paint, remove rubbish and carry out general duties
Tasks would vary according to the season and weather conditions.
You’d be using heavy machinery so you would need to be aware of health and safety issues. You’d also need to be able to understand plans and drawings.
Hours
You would usually work around 37 hours a week. This could include evenings and weekends especially if there was a match, fixture or event at your venue.
Environment
You would spend most of your time outside, and your work would be quite physical.
Travel
In some jobs you would need to travel around a large site or to several different sites.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Greenkeeper'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Farm technician Horticultural worker Gardener Landscaper Fishing vessel skipper Gamekeeper Tree surgeon
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Tourism Creative Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mowing
- golf course maintenance
- chainsaws
- irrigation (landscaping and agriculture)
- turfgrass management
- fertilizers
- information and communications technology
- agronomy
- aeration
- pesticide application
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- building relationships
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
- taking responsibility
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
Science
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
There are no set qualifications, but an interest in horticulture and working outside would be essential.
You could enter this job through a Modern Apprenticeship in Horticulture (SCQF Level 5).
You'd need to be physically fit and happy working outdoors. You might also need a driving licence.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Greenkeeper'
