Typical Work Day

A Groundskeeper is required to be able to complete a large variety of tasks throughout the day. Groundskeeper tasks can be generally categorized as manual labor and are related to landscaping. Landscape maintenance tasks include:

  • Operating different types of walking mowers
  • Raking of debris
  • Use of string trimmers
  • Operation of powered debris blowers
  • Use of chainsaws
  • Operation of other motorized equipment

Tasks specific to golf course maintenance Include:

  • Raking bunkers
  • Mowing Greens
  • Changing hole locations
  • Filling ball washers and water coolers
  • Moving tee markers

Groundskeepers must have a valid driver license and be able to drive various types of golf carts and utility vehicles in order to complete his/hers above tasks. In addition, Groundskeepers are often called upon to complete or assist in all tasks in the course including:

  • Special Projects
  • Irrigation Repair
  • Fertilizer and chemical applications
  • Other general maintenance tasks.

Groundskeepers primarily work under the supervision of the Golf Course Superintendent. Occasionally groundskeepers may work under the supervision of a Foreman or Equipment Operator.

 

General Physical and Mental Requirements

Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to safely use equipment and tools; vision sufficient to read printed materials, read small print on documents, Safety Data Sheets and maps. Detect subtle shades of color. Hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations. Speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone, two-way radio and in addressing groups. Physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead. Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift from the floor up to 50 lbs. unassisted and up to 80 lbs. with assistance. Physical stamina sufficient to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods. Ability to preserve long periods of exposure to pollen and grass – no severe allergic reactions to dust or pollen. Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgements and decisions.

General Working Conditions

Outdoors working environment subject to pre-dawn hours and adverse conditions such as heat, cold, rain and in awkward and confined spaces. Complete manual labor for long periods. Walking on uneven surfaces, bending crouching or kneeling. Pushing and pulling of levers on equipment and machinery, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods. Work in and around potentially hazardous substances including pesticides, herbicides and motor fuel. Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment and ability to drive an automobile.

Specific Physical Requirements for common tasks at Reeves County Golf Course

  1. Mowing Tee Boxes and Approaches– ability to operate triplex mowers. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to occasionally squat or bend in order to empty grass catcher baskets and to move tee markers or other debris from the mowing area. Minimal pulling or lifting required. Typical length of job about 4 hours.
  2. Mowing Fairways – Ability to operate five reel fairway mowers. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to occasionally squat or bend in order to move cart directional signs or debris from mowing area. Minimal lifting, bending, or twisting required. Typical length of job 5 hours.
  3. Mowing Primary Roughs – Ability to operate 5 deck riding mowers. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to occasionally squat or bend in order to move cart directional signs or debris from mowing area. Minimal lifting, bending, or twisting required. Typical length of job 3 to 7 hours.
  4. Mowing Secondary Roughs – Ability to operate zero turn mowers or other single deck mower. Zero turn mowers require constant light pulling and pushing with the arms and shoulders in order to operate equipment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to occasionally squat or bend in order to move cart directional signs or debris from mowing area. Minimal lifting, bending, or twisting required. Typical length of job 1 to 7 hours.
  5. Operations of Utility Tractors – Equipment Operators may operate various size utility tractors ranging from 20hp to 60hp. Must have ability to reach all levers and be highly trained in the ability to operate the equipment. Tractors are often equipped with front-end loaders, backhoes, and a large variety of attachments. Operator must be physically able to mount and dismount tractor, and be able to access all controls. Typical length of job 1 to 7 hours.
  6. Raking Bunkers – Walk at steady pace for up to four hours with constant breaks. Light pulling and pushing is required to use a rake to smooth sand. Ability to walk on steep slopes is required. Ability to operate a handheld blower is required. Typical length of job 4 hours.
  7. Use of string Trimmer – Ability to stand for majority of shift. Ability to operate commercial string trimmer that weighs approximately 12 lbs. frequent light lifting, twisting and pulling is required to complete this task. Typical length of job 1 to 6 hours.
  8. Picking of debris or trash – Light lifting and raking required. Most pieces of debris or trash weigh less than 5 lbs. large trash receptacles may weigh up to 50 lbs. at times. Frequent bending or squatting required. Typical length of job 1 to 6 hours.
  9. Hand Watering Greens – Ability to pull and easily handle 40 lbs. water hose. Frequent squatting and bending required. Typical length of job 4 hours.
  10. Changing Hole Locations – Ability to lift, pull, twist and squat repeatedly. Lifting of 20 lbs. from ground required. Typical length of job 3 hours.
  11. Tree Work – ability to operate various sizes of chainsaws and/or assist with removal of tree debris. Lifting or up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and up to 80 lbs. assisted required. Also requires raking and shoveling of debris.
  12. Irrigation Repair – all employees may be called upon to assist the Irrigation Technician with repairs. Irrigation repair requires the ability to bend, squat, lift, pull, and push repeatedly. Many times this task requires shoveling of dirt or rock, and removal of materials.
  13. Ball Washers – Ability to operate pressurized water tank, Exposure to cleaning materials. Occasional bending or squatting. Typical length of job 3 hours.
  14. Clubhouse Lawns – Operation of push mowers, string trimmers, blowers and hand tools required to maintain lawns and ornamental beds. Frequent standing, walking, and bending. Typical length of job 6 to 8 hours.
  15. Leaf Cleanup– Raking, blowing, shoveling and removal of grass clippings, leaves and other debris. Frequent standing, walking, bending, pulling and pushing.

 

NOTE: The tasks listed above are common daily tasks required by golf course employees. Not all employees are trained, or required to complete every task. In addition, some tasks are seasonal in nature. Employees may be required to complete tasks not listed above.

432-287-0444 ext. 129

superintendentclerk@reevescounty.org