A groundskeeper is a maintenance specialist tasked with maintaining various properties such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings. Their responsibilities include mowing lawns, trimming weeds, raking leaves, and completing other assigned tasks under the direction of their manager.
As a groundskeeper, it's crucial to uphold the pristine appearance of outdoor spaces by meticulously maintaining manicured lawns, neatly trimmed hedges, and debris-free pathways. This involves regular landscaping upkeep, including the fertilization of lawns, trees, and shrubs, as well as the year-round trimming of hedges and bushes.
Collaborating with a small team of fellow groundskeepers, your primary objective is to ensure that our outdoor areas consistently project a professional and inviting atmosphere for both guests and employees.
Your responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, including:
1. Garden and Lawn Maintenance: Regularly tending to gardens and lawns through activities such as planting, fertilizing, weeding, soil conditioning, mulching, and the application of pesticides to promote healthy growth and appearance.
2. Weather Preparation: Preparing outdoor areas to withstand various weather conditions by implementing weatherproofing measures, covering outdoor furniture with tarps, and securing loose items to prevent damage or displacement.
3. Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operating and maintaining garden and landscaping equipment to ensure optimal functionality and safety during tasks.
4. Specialty Services Coordination: Scheduling and overseeing specialty services such as ground leveling or patio installation to enhance outdoor spaces as needed.
In terms of requirements and skills:
- Proven Work Experience: Previous experience as a groundskeeper or in a similar role is essential to demonstrate proficiency in performing the required tasks effectively.
- Equipment Familiarity: Knowledge of sprinkler systems and other landscaping equipment is necessary to carry out maintenance tasks efficiently.
- Gardening Expertise: Familiarity with various gardening techniques, as well as gardening products such as fertilizers and pesticides, is vital for successful garden and lawn maintenance.
- Physical Stamina: The role demands physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods while performing outdoor tasks.
- Education: While a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, practical experience often holds equal importance in demonstrating the necessary skills and capabilities for the role.
The typical salary for a groundskeeper in Lisbon, Portugal, amounts to €20,937 per year, or approximately €10 per hour when calculated on an hourly basis.