Grounds Maintenance Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.90
• Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.87
• Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.84
• Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.84
• Gather and remove litter.84
• Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.83
• Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.79
• Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.71
• Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.70
• Maintain or repair tools, equipment, or structures, such as buildings, greenhouses, fences, or benches, using hand or power tools.69
• Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.68
• Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, burial sites, or other grounds features.66

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Critical Thinking41

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Active Listening35

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Monitoring35

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operations Monitoring35

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Speaking35

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Coordination28

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Equipment Selection28

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Social Perceptiveness28

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Time Management28

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Judgment and Decision Making25

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Reading Comprehension25

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Customer and Personal Service34

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Mechanical31

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Chemistry30

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Building and Construction29

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• English Language29

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Public Safety and Security28

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Transportation28

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Computers and Electronics25

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Design25

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Foreign Language25

  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

• Communications and Media23

  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

• Personnel and Human Resources23

  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Multilimb Coordination63

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Manual Dexterity53

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Trunk Strength53

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Control Precision50

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Extent Flexibility50

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Stamina50

  The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

• Static Strength50

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness47

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Dynamic Strength47

  The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

• Near Vision47

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension47

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Problem Sensitivity47

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes71

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Performing General Physical Activities55

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates52

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment51

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Getting Information43

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Handling and Moving Objects38

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems27

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events24

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials24

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others23

  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships20

  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings20

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability69

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail43

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Perseverance38

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Cautiousness37

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Integrity27

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Cooperation26

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Stress Tolerance23

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation22

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Initiative22

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Adaptability19

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Self-Control18

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Self-Confidence14

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional39

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Artistic15

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising14

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Investigative10

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social8

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day65%
  • Once a week or more but not every day34%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours61%
  • 40 hours38%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day73%
  • Never24%

• Spend Time Walking or Running

  • Continually or almost continually35%
  • More than half the time27%
  • About half the time13%
  • Never24%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day12%
  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Once a month or more but not every week26%
  • Once a year or more but not every month30%

• Spend Time Standing

  • More than half the time64%
  • Never24%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day48%
  • Never49%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Very important38%
  • Fairly important25%
  • Not important at all25%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day32%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%
  • Never55%

• Contact With Others

  • Contact with others most of the time26%
  • No contact with others52%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility14%
  • High responsibility25%
  • Limited responsibility29%
  • No responsibility32%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • More than half the time31%
  • Less than half the time37%
  • Never24%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Less than high school diploma
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  IBM Notes

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Web page creation and editing software

  Facebook

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• International Society of Arboriculture
• National Association of Landscape Professionals
• Professional Grounds Management Society
• Tree Care Industry Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders
• First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Logging Workers
• Forest and Conservation Workers
• Construction Laborers
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Janitors and Building Cleaners
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Trim trees or other vegetation.
• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
• Dispose of trash or waste materials.
• Cultivate lawns, turf, or gardens.
• Clean facilities or sites.
• Evaluate reports or designs to determine work needs.
• Irrigate lawns, trees, or plants.
• Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Remove debris from work sites.
• Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
• Plant greenery to improve landscape appearance.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Greenskeeper Ii
• Landscape Gardener
• Landscape Management Technician
• Landscape Technician