Do you know what a groundskeeper is? And what they do? In Britain, the word groundsman and groundswoman will also be used for this profession. Being a groundskeeper can be a really exciting, all-encompassing role. Equally so, when you are looking to hire a groundskeeper, it is important you know what to look for. To make sure you make the right decision for you and your household. So find out all you need to know here!
Commercial vs Domestic
Where a groundskeeper may work can be twofold. It can either be in a private households or private estate setting. Or in a more commercial setup setting. Let’s look at commercial settings first, to understand what a groundskeeper is in that respect.
Commercial
A groundskeeper working for a public or commercial place or property is in charge of the grounds or the land. Here you can think of office blocks, for example. Public park, shopping centres and housing estates and hotel are other good examples.
Although some may consider the role of the groundskeeper to be one of low ranking, the are of crucial importance to the whole business or public place. Groundkeepers play an unmissable role in making sure that all the outside spaces are kept up to the highest standard. Which is a challenging and physically demanding role!
Domestic
In a more domestic setting, a groundskeeper would work for a private household or a private estate. Especially when you have large grounds, having grounds people can really make a difference to the overall maintenance, and upkeep of the garden space. Groundskeepers can often word alongside gardeners on the estate or grounds. And many times their duties and work would overlap.
How They Work
It is rare, but possible, for a groundskeeper to work on their own. It is more normal that they are part of a team. whether this is a team of groundskeepers or a team that might include gardeners and landscapers. Many groundskeepers are self-employed, but some- especially those who work at large private estates, for example, could be employed too. Often times the groundskeeper will live on the lands they are looking after. Especially in a domestic household setup, this can be handy. They could be seen as the go-to person for anything that happens of the grounds on the estate. This can also include entrance and exiting the grounds. Although security might not often be part of their task list, they can certainly record who comes in and out – and pass this on to suitable security staff.
Why Have A Groundskeeper?
Anyone with a large garden or estate should consider having a groundskeeper as part of the team. They provide more overall managing and maintenance of all the grounds. They can work together and alongside gardeners, security and landscapers. And they can make sure everything outdoors is up to date and checked. Either the groundskeeper themself can fix what needs doing. Or find the right person to do it for them. Just like you will have people or staff managing the indoors of your house, a groundskeeper will do the same for your outdoors.
What To Look For When Hiring A Groundskeeper?
If you are hiring a groundskeeper, you want to make sure you the person is suited for the role. You do not have to have specific qualifications to become a groundskeeper, but the person needs to enjoy the work that comes with it. This is not an office job! So someone needs to not only be willingto do the heavy outdoor work that comes with being a groundskeeper, but genuinely enjoy it. Being a groundskeeper is a job for all seasons, in all weather. You really need to be happy with working outside in the rain, storm, snow and heat as well. Heavy lifting and heavy manual labour should also not be a problem. So all these things you want to keep in mind when looking for your new groundskeeper. Will they be able to physically do the job? Are they definitely ok with working outdoors? Have they perhaps done it before? It is worth taking your time in finding this out, so you can make the right decision when it comes to hiring your new groundskeeper.
How Polo & Tweed Can Help
If you are unsure about how to hire or find a new groundskeeper, we can help! Polo & Tweed specialise in all domestic household staff, including gardeners and groundskeepers! So why not let us show you the way whilst you focus on other things. With years of experience in the industry and only the best, vetted and checked candidates on our books. we can make the process of finding your new groundskeeper a breeze for you. Why not contact us today to find out how we could help!