Share
If you’ve ever Googled “groundskeeper job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over.
A wall of bullet points. Vague responsibilities. Zero personality.
And here’s the problem with that…
Most of those job descriptions don’t actually help you attract a great groundskeeper—they just help you fill space on a job board.
But here’s the truth:
A truly great groundskeeper isn’t just someone who mows lawns or trims hedges. They’re the reason your property looks professional, your tenants feel cared for, and your outdoor space reflects pride.
And that’s exactly what generic job posts fail to capture.
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to write a clear, compelling, and human job post that attracts the right person—not just any applicant.
We’ll also break down why most job posts fail, share real examples, and give you a copy-paste version you can tweak and publish.
And if you want a deeper dive into how to write job descriptions that actually work, I highly recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ .
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What A Groundskeeper Actually Does - Their Roles
So, what does a groundskeeper actually do?
In simple terms, a groundskeeper is the person who makes sure outdoor spaces look clean, safe, and well cared for—whether that’s a school, apartment complex, golf course, or corporate property.
But the best groundskeepers do a lot more than just “cut grass.”
They notice things before others do. They take pride in the little details—like making sure the walkways are clear, the flower beds are healthy, and the place looks inviting every single day.
They’re part landscaper, part handyman, part problem-solver. And for many businesses, a great groundskeeper plays a key role in first impressions.
That’s why reliability, attention to detail, and self-motivation matter just as much as knowing how to use a lawnmower or leaf blower.
Two Great Groundskeeper Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Groundskeepers
📌 Job Title: Groundskeeper at Willow Creek Residences — Maintain the Beauty of Our Outdoor Spaces
📍 Location: Springfield, IL | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $17–$22/hour (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 7AM–3PM (occasional weekends as needed)
🎥 Hear From Your Supervisor
Before we dive in—here’s a short video from our Property Manager, James, explaining what the role involves and why we’re excited to bring someone new onto the team.
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
Willow Creek Residences is a 200-unit apartment community located on 14 acres of landscaped property in Springfield. For over 15 years, we’ve provided residents with a peaceful, safe, and clean environment to call home. Our team takes pride in the way the property looks and feels—and our groundskeeper plays a huge part in making that happen.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Mowing, edging, and maintaining lawns across the property
- Seasonal cleanup: leaves, snow, debris, and trash removal
- Planting and maintaining flowers, shrubs, and trees
- Reporting hazards and maintenance issues to the facilities team
- Minor repairs: irrigation heads, garden fixtures, signage
- Power washing walkways and keeping outdoor common areas spotless
What We’re Looking For
- At least 1 year of experience in landscaping or groundskeeping
- Comfortable using mowers, trimmers, and other power tools
- Self-motivated and observant—you spot issues before they become problems
- Able to work outdoors in all seasons
- Friendly, dependable, and respectful to both staff and residents
- Bonus: light handyman or irrigation system experience is a plus
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just a maintenance job—it’s a role where you’ll be trusted to take ownership of the appearance and safety of the entire property. Your work helps residents feel proud of where they live. We’re a tight-knit team that values consistency, initiative, and pride in your craft. If you like being outside, solving problems, and seeing the direct results of your work, you’ll thrive here.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Steady weekday hours
- $17–$22/hour depending on experience
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage after 60 days
- 10 paid vacation days plus 6 paid holidays annually
- Ongoing training and opportunities to grow into facilities management
- Free on-site parking
- Tool and uniform allowance
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to keep our hiring process fair and efficient. Click the link below to complete a short evaluation that helps us understand your skills—no résumés or guesswork required.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🌱 Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Groundskeeper (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Groundskeeper at Willow Creek Residences – No Experience Needed
📍 Location: Springfield, IL | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $14–$16/hour
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8AM–4PM
🎥 Watch This First
Our Property Manager, James, made a quick video for applicants like you—explaining what the day-to-day is like and why this could be a great starting point in property care.
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
Willow Creek Residences is a family-run apartment community that’s home to over 500 residents. Our 14-acre property is full of gardens, walkways, courtyards, and shared green spaces—and we take pride in how it looks. We’re not just hiring someone to mow lawns—we’re looking for someone who’s excited to learn and help us make this place feel welcoming and cared for.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Learn to mow, trim, and edge lawns across the property
- Pick up litter and keep outdoor areas clean
- Assist with planting flowers and maintaining garden beds
- Help shovel snow and handle seasonal cleanup
- Report hazards or repairs needed
- Shadow our senior groundskeeper and learn new tasks weekly
What You’ll Need
- A positive attitude and a willingness to learn
- The ability to work outdoors in heat, rain, or cold
- Physical stamina (you’ll be walking, lifting, bending)
- Dependability—we rely on each other
- Bonus: Driver’s license is helpful but not required
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You don’t need experience—we’ll teach you. If you’re someone who’s dependable, wants to work with your hands, and is ready to grow a new set of skills, we’d love to meet you. We see this as the beginning of a long-term opportunity, not just a stopgap job.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Paid on-the-job training
- $14–$16/hour starting pay
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage after 60 days
- 1 week of paid time off in your first year
- Mentorship from an experienced team
- Uniforms and all tools provided
- Room to grow into full-time roles in maintenance or facilities
📥 How to Apply
We care about finding the right person—not the perfect résumé. That’s why we use WorkScreen.
Click below to take our quick skills evaluation. It’s short, fair, and lets us see what you can do—not just what you say on paper.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Groundskeeper Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes both job descriptions above effective—and how they’re different from the average, generic post you’ll find online.
1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of just saying “Groundskeeper,” each post uses a descriptive, human-centered title that tells the reader:
- What the job is
- Who it’s with
- Why it matters
For example:
✅ “Groundskeeper at Willow Creek Residences — Maintain the Beauty of Our Outdoor Spaces”
It’s not just a job—it’s a mission, and that makes the post more clickable and engaging.
2. They Open With a Human Voice (Not a Dry Summary)
Each job starts with a short Loom or video message from the hiring manager. This adds trust, personality, and warmth.
The tone in the intro copy is also conversational and welcoming—not robotic. It feels like a real person is speaking to the applicant, not a legal department.
3. They Include an Authentic ‘About Us’ Section
Most job posts throw in a bland “Company Overview” that feels like it was copied from the corporate website. These posts do the opposite.
They share real details about Willow Creek Residences—location, size, team culture, and mission—helping candidates imagine what it’s like to work there.
This makes the opportunity feel real and grounded, not abstract.
4. They Describe Responsibilities With Purpose
Instead of listing random tasks like “Mow lawn” or “Pick up trash,” these posts explain what the job actually looks like day to day, and why those tasks matter.
For example:
“You’ll be the person we count on to keep everything clean, safe, and looking its best.”
That phrase connects the responsibilities to a larger mission, which makes them more meaningful.
5. There’s Transparency Around Pay and Perks
So many job descriptions hide salary ranges—which leads to distrust and wasted time. These posts clearly state the pay range and list real, tangible benefits like PTO, health coverage, tool allowances, and growth opportunities.
This builds credibility and attracts more serious, qualified applicants.
6. They Treat the Candidate With Respect
These job posts acknowledge that applying takes time. They explain the hiring process, offer fair evaluation through WorkScreen, and promise to keep applicants informed.
This is a huge differentiator in a world where most candidates feel ghosted or ignored.
7. They Include a Strong “Why This Role Is Worth Your Time” Section
This is the sales pitch. It’s written in plain English and focuses on ownership, growth, recognition, and teamwork—all things that matter to good candidates.
Instead of listing “fast-paced environment” or “competitive salary,” it explains what makes this job genuinely fulfilling.
8. They Provide a Clean, Encouraging Call to Action
Rather than ending cold with “Send your résumé to hr@email.com,” the CTA is warm, clear, and structured. It tells the candidate:
- How to apply
- What to expect
- Why it’s worth their time
It also makes WorkScreen feel like part of a fair and modern process, not a hurdle.
Example of a Bad Groundskeeper Job Description (and What’s Wrong With It)
Let’s take a look at the kind of job description you’ll find on dozens of job boards—and break down why it fails to attract great candidates.
❌ Bad Job Description Example
📌 Job Title: Groundskeeper
📍 Location: Springfield, IL
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain the outdoor areas of our property. Duties include lawn care, debris removal, and general grounds upkeep.
Responsibilities:
- Mow grass and trim edges
- Pick up trash
- Remove weeds
- Clean sidewalks and parking lots
- Perform basic maintenance tasks
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- 1 year of experience preferred
- Must be able to work in various weather conditions
How to Apply:
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@companyemail.com by June 30. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🔎 Why This Job Description Falls Flat
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just calling it “Groundskeeper” tells the candidate nothing about the environment, company, or purpose. It could be for a school, hospital, apartment complex—or a cemetery. That lack of context makes it forgettable.
2. There’s No Personality or Human Voice
The tone is cold and transactional. There’s no sense of who the company is, what kind of property they manage, or who the candidate would be working with. No one wants to work for a faceless employer.
3. No Culture, No Values, No Mission
This post doesn’t tell you anything about what the company cares about, what they value in an employee, or what kind of workplace it is. Great candidates want to know where they’ll fit in—and if they’ll be respected.
4. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
There’s no transparency on pay. And absolutely zero mention of perks, benefits, PTO, or any support. That tells the candidate:
“You’ll be doing physical labor in all weather—but we won’t tell you what it pays until you jump through our hoops.”
Not a good look.
5. Responsibilities Are Vague and Bare Minimum
“Mow grass” and “pick up trash” don’t inspire anyone. There’s no explanation of what the environment is like, what the expectations are, or how this role supports the larger team.
6. The Application Process Feels Cold and Dismissive
Saying “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the coldest phrases you can include. It signals that the company doesn’t value the applicant’s time or effort. It also makes it more likely candidates will feel ghosted.
7. The Call to Action Is Weak and Outdated
Simply asking for a résumé and cover letter by email is old-school and clunky—especially for a physical, skill-based role. There’s no clarity on what happens next, no human touch, and no incentive to apply.
✅ Bottom line?
This post technically covers the basics, but it fails where it matters most: connection, clarity, and candidate experience.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Groundskeeper Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the basics—clear title, warm intro, specific responsibilities—these bonus details can give your job description an edge. They show candidates that your company is thoughtful, trustworthy, and genuinely invested in their experience.
✅ Tip 1: Include a Security & Privacy Notice
In a world of scams and fake job listings, candidates are cautious. Add a short privacy disclaimer to show you’re legit and that their personal data is safe.
Example:
🔐 “We take the security and privacy of applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking information, or personal financial details at any point during our hiring process.”
✅ Tip 2: Mention Paid Time Off or Flex Days
Many candidates—especially in physically demanding roles like groundskeeping—want to know they’ll have time to rest and recharge. Including this can be the deciding factor for high-quality applicants.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 10 paid vacation days and 6 holidays per year, plus flexible leave options for personal needs or emergencies.”
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
If you’re willing to train entry-level candidates or promote from within, say so. It helps you attract people who want more than just a job—they want a future.
Example:
“We’ll train you on landscaping tools and safety best practices. Long-term, there’s room to grow into roles like Assistant Maintenance Technician or Facilities Manager.”
✅ Tip 4: Include a Video From the Hiring Manager
A 60-second Loom or YouTube video adds a personal touch that makes your company stand out. It helps candidates feel connected to the people behind the post—and increases application rates.
Example Caption:
🎥 “Watch this quick video from James, our Property Manager, to learn what the job looks like day-to-day and what kind of teammate we’re looking for.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Use Plain English—Not HR Jargon
Avoid saying things like “the ideal candidate will execute seasonal landscape strategies.” Instead, say:
“You’ll be helping us keep lawns trimmed, flowers healthy, and walkways safe for residents.”
It’s friendlier. More human. And far more effective.
A Quick Word of Caution About Using AI to Write Job Descriptions
AI can save you time. But if you rely on it blindly, you’ll end up with a job post that sounds like… well, every other generic job post online.
Let’s be clear:
AI is a tool—not a replacement for your company’s voice, culture, or values.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post From Scratch
If you just open a chatbot or ATS and type:
“Write a job description for a groundskeeper,”
…you’ll likely get something that looks like this:
- Boring bullet points
- Generic phrasing
- Zero reflection of your culture
- No emotional hook or mission
- No mention of what makes your opportunity worth applying to
This kind of output repels great candidates—the very people you’re trying to attract.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI in the Process
Use AI as a refiner, not a writer. Feed it real context, then let it help you organize, rephrase, or polish your ideas.
Here’s how to do it well:
📝 Step-by-Step AI Prompting Framework
“Help me write a job post for our company, Willow Creek Residences. We’re hiring a Groundskeeper to help with lawn care, garden upkeep, and maintaining safe outdoor common areas.
Our company manages a 14-acre apartment property in Springfield, IL, and our team culture is collaborative, hands-on, and pride-driven.
We want to attract candidates who are dependable, detail-oriented, and enjoy working outdoors.
We offer: $17–$22/hour, health/dental/vision after 60 days, 10 PTO days, paid holidays, and on-the-job training.
Here’s how our hiring process works: we use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates through a short skill-based assessment—no resumes required.
I’ve already written some rough notes below, [paste notes here]. Please use my tone and help me turn this into a structured job post draft.”
You can even go a step further and say:
“Please model the structure after this job post [insert text from one of your good examples above].”
Now the AI has guardrails. It’s helping—not guessing.
💡 Bottom Line:
AI is powerful. But if you don’t give it direction, tone, and truth, it will give you fluff.
Build your job post based on real information, then let AI make it smoother—not soulless.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
📌 Job Title: Groundskeeper at [Company Name] – Help Us Keep Our Community Beautiful
📍 Location: [City, State] | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $17–$22/hour
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 7AM–3PM
🎥 Meet Your Future Supervisor
Watch this short video from [Hiring Manager Name] to learn more about the role and team:
👉 [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a community-focused residential property with beautiful outdoor spaces that our residents love. We care deeply about the way our property looks and feels—and we know the groundskeeper is the heartbeat of that experience.
What You’ll Do
- Maintain lawns, flower beds, and common areas
- Trim, mow, edge, and clear walkways
- Handle light seasonal maintenance (leaves, snow, etc.)
- Report hazards and small repair needs
- Work independently, but as part of a team that has your back
What We’re Looking For
- At least 1 year of groundskeeping/landscaping experience
- Familiar with equipment like mowers and trimmers
- Can lift 40–50 lbs and work in all weather
- Reliable, proactive, and detail-oriented
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Full health, dental, and vision after 60 days
- PTO and paid holidays
- Uniforms and tools provided
- Growth opportunities into maintenance roles
- Supportive team environment
💡 Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
Your work here won’t go unnoticed. You’ll be part of a small, tight-knit crew that values consistency, trust, and pride in the details. We appreciate people who take ownership and want to stay long-term.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to keep hiring fair and efficient. Click below to complete your quick evaluation—no résumé needed.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured Format – Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements
📌 Job Title: Groundskeeper
📍 Location: [City, State]
💼 Type: Full-Time | 💰 Pay: $17–$22/hour
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7AM–3PM
🎥 Meet Your Future Supervisor
Watch this short video from [Hiring Manager Name] to learn more about the role and team:
👉 [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Job Summary:
[Company Name] is hiring a reliable Groundskeeper to maintain the appearance and cleanliness of our outdoor spaces. You’ll be responsible for lawn care, seasonal cleanup, and light outdoor maintenance.
Responsibilities:
- Mow lawns, trim edges, and maintain garden beds
- Keep walkways, parking lots, and entrances clear of debris
- Perform seasonal work (leaf removal, snow clearing, etc.)
- Inspect and report any safety hazards or repair needs
- Assist with light maintenance and landscaping tasks as needed
Requirements:
- 1+ years of experience in groundskeeping or landscaping
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Able to operate standard landscaping tools and machinery
- Attention to detail and strong time management
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly pay
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Training provided
- Company-provided tools and uniform
How to Apply:
Click the WorkScreen link below to complete your application. No résumé needed—just a short, skill-based evaluation.
👉 [Insert Link]
Why You Should Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase
Writing a strong job post is step one. But here’s the hard truth:
Even with a great job description, you can still get flooded with low-effort, low-quality applications.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
It’s a hiring tool built to evaluate applicants based on what they can actually do, not just what they claim on a résumé.
Here’s how it helps you hire smarter:
✅ WorkScreen Helps You:
● Quickly Identify Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
● Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
● Use One-Click Skill Tests That Actually Work
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
● Give Candidates a Fair, Bias-Free Experience
Every applicant gets the same structured assessment. No résumés. No guessing. Just a fair shot based on skill, not fluff.
That means better candidate experience and less bias in your process.
If your job post attracts the right people—WorkScreen helps you confidently choose the best ones. It turns your job post from a funnel into a filter—and helps you hire faster, easier, and with more confidence.
FAQ
Look for more than just tool experience. The best groundskeepers have a combination of technical skills and personal traits that make them reliable, proactive, and trustworthy.
Here’s a breakdown of top skills to watch for:
- Attention to detail – Do they notice what others miss (weeds, loose tiles, early signs of damage)?
- Physical stamina – Can they handle outdoor work in different weather conditions?
- Basic landscaping knowledge – Mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal care.
- Reliability – Are they consistent and on time? This role often runs independently.
- Initiative – Do they fix or report issues without needing to be told?
- Basic repair or handyman skills – A bonus, especially for residential or campus settings.
If you want to dig deeper, WorkScreen lets you assess these traits with real-world task simulations during the application process.
In the U.S., the average hourly wage for a groundskeeper typically falls between $15 and $21/hour, depending on location, experience, and type of property (residential, commercial, golf course, etc.).
Here’s a quick range for context:
- Entry-Level Groundskeeper: $14–$16/hour
- Experienced Groundskeeper: $17–$22/hour
- Grounds Supervisor or Lead: $23–$28/hour+
Some employers also offer seasonal bonuses, overtime, and benefits like healthcare or PTO—which can make a big difference in total compensation.
In most cases, no license is required to become a groundskeeper. However, some properties prefer or require certifications for operating specialized equipment or handling certain chemicals (like pesticides or fertilizers).
Optional certifications that may be beneficial include:
- OSHA 10 or 30 (for safety awareness)
- Pesticide Applicator License (varies by state)
- Grounds Management Certification (for advancement)
That said, most employers focus more on work ethic, reliability, and hands-on skill than formal credentials.
Look for these subtle green flags:
- They ask specific questions about the property or equipment used
- They mention enjoying outdoor or hands-on work
- They show up prepared—even for entry-level roles
- They complete evaluations like WorkScreen seriously, without rushing
The best candidates show respect for the role before they even step onto your property.
