Groundskeeper
- Overview
The Role of a Groundskeeper
A Groundskeeper plays an important role that enhances the value of the property and creates and pleasant and inviting environment for the principal(s) and their guests. Their primary responsibilities include house upkeep, landscaping, planting/tending to gardens, caring for fountains/pools/spas, maintaining outdoor lighting or irrigation systems and handling other small and medium size projects related to the estate and property.
A Groundskeeper to a private estate is responsible for regular communication with other property management staff or directly to the principal(s) to determine and realize their vision and expectations for the space. An experienced Groundskeeper will have experience with professional landscaping/gardening, the ability to operate and maintain various tools and equipment, and should have excellent physical stamina to perform manual labor.
- The Role Defined
Job Description
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Formal education is not a requirement for Groundskeeper positions, although many Groundskeepers will have completed secondary education or formal training in conjunction with their professional experience.
Experienced Groundskeepers will have at least 3-5 years’ experience with landscaping, outdoor or property management in a private estate, luxury/business real estate or golf course setting.
SKILLS
- Property management experience, including managing vendors, putting on outdoor events, overseeing construction/maintenance and familiarity with specialties such as caring for lawns, pools, gardens, etc.
- Basic handyman skills to maintain all structures on the property
- Strong ability to be resourceful, learning new skills and applying them in practical ways
- Familiarity with smart home systems (e.g., irrigation systems, HVAC, outdoor lighting and sound systems, security systems, etc.)
CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING
No professional certifications/licenses are required to be a Groundskeeper. It is much more important for the person in this role to possess a variety of experience with outdoor equipment, completing projects of varying size, knowledge of gardening or agriculture for large outdoor/working estates, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES
A Groundskeeper may have traditional outdoor/landscaping duties, or, this position may be thought of as handling anything that exists outside of the home. It is common for smaller household staffing teams to instead call this position a Houseman, and for this person to handle both traditional landscaping duties and also things like vehicle maintenance/managing garages, driving, walking pets/tending to animals, interior “handyman” projects, etc.
Groundskeeper duties may include:
- Coordinating between principal(s) and contractors on any outdoor construction or renovation projects
- Planting and watering flowers and shrubbery, trim hedges
- Regular maintenance of lawns (cutting, seeding, etc.)
- Maintaining sprinklers and/or irrigation systems as well as outdoor lighting
- Prepare outdoor areas for various weather conditions through weatherproofing
- Pool/spa maintenance
- Power washing, vacuuming, blowing, and using other outdoor tools/machinery
- Painting, cleaning roof and/or gutters
- Snow and leaf removal
- Preparing for and helping to execute any outdoor entertaining/special events
- Large and small equipment maintenance
- Maintaining an inventory of all outdoor supplies and assets
ATTRIBUTES
Characteristics of a successful Groundskeeper include:
Being a self-starter
A groundskeeper to a private estate will have a largely independent role, and must be someone who works well managing themselves. They must be able to set their own goals and priorities and follow through on them without needing reminders or guidance. They must also be able to adapt to changing situations and demands caused by weather conditions, large projects, on/off seasons, etc.
Resourcefulness
A Groundskeeper must be able to use their ingenuity to solve problems and overcome obstacles on a daily basis. They should be able to find new ways to expand the functionality of outdoor areas or improve the appearance of a property’s exterior by learning new skills and techniques. He or she should know when to consult professional resources for help, but also be able to quickly learn new skills and implement them in practical scenarios.
Having diverse experience
A Groundskeeper must be able to perform a wide range of tasks that require skills, knowledge and practice from real life experience. They should have basic familiarity with all types of outdoor equipment and have a working knowledge of horticulture, landscaping, irrigation, pest control, etc.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation for a Groundskeeper generally ranges from $70-110K. Factors that command a higher salary include specific experience, education or training requirements, ability to work outside of normal hours, being required to frequently travel between multiple homes or live-in, fluency in languages other than English or the ability to manage large-scale projects. Components of a Groundskeeper’s compensation may include:
Base salary
A fixed annual amount received for performing duties as agreed upon. A Groundskeeper’s base salary varies depending on the size, location and number of properties they are be responsible for, as well as the experience and qualifications of the Groundskeeper.
Discretionary bonus
Discretionary bonuses are variable amounts that are paid annually based on an individual’s performance. The percentage of compensation paid as a salary versus a bonus is entirely up to the employer, but for a Groundskeeper, a discretionary bonus can range anywhere from 10 – 20% of total compensation. The most common reason for a higher bonus percentage (relative to salary) is to tie an employee’s compensation to their overall performance. It also allows an employer to set strategic goals during the employee’s annual performance evaluation, with the pay out of their bonus linked to the completion of stated goals.
Living Expenses
A principal may prefer that their Groundskeeper lives in with them, either at their residence, at an adjoining accommodation on their property or within certain proximity of the residence. Reasons for this include the need for this person to be available off-hours, the importance of proximity to the residence or principal due to various duties associated with the role or because the residence is located in a remote area. If a principal requires any of these living situations of their Groundskeeper, housing and/or moving expenses are expected to be included in the employee’s compensation package. If this is a seasonal residence, many clients will have a Groundskeeper or Houseman live in the residence in the off season to complete any necessary projects, repairs or work so the property is fully ready for the next season.
STANDARD BENEFITS
A Groundskeeper typically has access to the following corporate-style benefits (or receives a stipend to obtain such benefits themselves):
Medical, dental and vision
Standard health benefits help employees stay healthy, reduce absenteeism and ultimately increase productivity.
Retirement savings account
401k, thrift savings plan or simple IRA, especially with employer matched contributions, shows your employees your commitment to their future.
Paid time off
PTO allows your employees to take time off from work for various reasons, such as vacation, sickness, personal matters or holidays.
Travel/miscellaneous expenses
Expenses incurred when travelling or conducting business on behalf of the house.
OTHER BENEFITS / "PERKS"
Additional benefits are often included to enhance the attractiveness of an employment offer, as well as encouraging long-term employment. Such benefits include:
Education
- Tuition reimbursement, scholarships/savings plans for those with college-aged children
Professional development
- Encouraging and covering an employee’s participation in training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or professional certifications
Health and wellness
- Healthy food, beverages or snacks offered at the house
- Paid or discounted gym memberships or fitness classes
- Access to wellness programs with counseling services, health screenings, substance abuse treatment, etc.
- Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance
- Financial counseling
- Legal advice
- Transportation reimbursement or allowance
Charity
- Volunteer opportunities
- PTO days for community service
- Charitable match program
Family benefits
- On-site childcare or childcare reimbursements
- Parental and family medical leave
Workplace
- Remote work/flexible hours
- Casual work attire
- Employee recognition programs, awards or rewards
REPORT STRUCTURE
A Groundskeeper generally reports:
- To a House or Estate Manager
- To a designated individual within the family office (Director of Operations or Administration, Chief of Staff or Managing Director)
- Directly to the client(s)
A Groundskeeper may be responsible for managing other property staff, or for overseeing other regular outdoor vendors, such as maintenance workers for pools or irrigation, gardeners, etc.
Keep Your Grounds Beautiful
A Groundskeeper is responsible for the upkeep of your property’s outdoor spaces, including lawn care, landscaping, and general maintenance. Their expertise ensures that your estate’s exterior looks immaculate year-round. From seasonal planting to irrigation systems, they handle it all, allowing you to enjoy beautifully maintained grounds without the hassle.
Need someone to maintain the beauty of your estate? Let us place a Groundskeeper who will take care of your property’s exterior with skill and precision.
Adam Cook
Managing Director, Old State Staffing
- Expert Groundskeeping
Keep Your Estate Looking Its Best
Why You Should Consider a Groundskeeper
A Groundskeeper ensures your outdoor spaces are meticulously maintained, handling everything from landscaping and lawn care to seasonal preparations. Their expertise ensures your property’s exterior always looks its best. A Groundskeeper can help:
- Maintain gardens, lawns, and outdoor features
- Perform seasonal landscaping and irrigation tasks
- Keep pathways, driveways, and outdoor spaces pristine
- Plan and execute seasonal landscaping projects
- Ensure the grounds are ready for guests or events
Hiring a Groundskeeper guarantees that your estate’s outdoor spaces are well-maintained, beautiful, and always guest-ready.
- Experts For Every Need
