Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor
O*NET-SOC: 37-1012.00
Directly supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in landscaping, groundskeeping, and related property maintenance activities, planning work schedules, inspecting completed work, and managing crews and equipment.
About this Role
A Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor manages the appearance and maintenance of lawns, gardens, walkways, and outdoor amenities for properties such as hotels, resorts, offices, or public spaces. They start the day by inspecting grounds to identify areas that need mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, or pest control, then assign tasks to crew members based on urgency, equipment availability, and weather conditions. They make decisions about plant choices, irrigation schedules, mulching patterns, and seasonal cleanup routines to keep the landscape healthy, attractive, and safe for guests or visitors.
A Day in the Life
6:30 AM
Morning inspection of property grounds
Walk the property to review lawn conditions, flowerbeds, walkways, and parking areas, and identify which zones need mowing, trimming, or cleanup today.
7:30 AM
Team meeting and task assignment
Brief the grounds crew on priorities, assign equipment and routes, and review safety protocols for mowing, edging, and chemical or mulch work.
8:00 AM
Lawn and turf maintenance
Direct or personally operate mowers, trimmers, and edgers to cut and shape lawns, paying attention to clean lines and avoiding tree roots, sprinklers, and signage.
10:30 AM
Flowerbed and plant care
Inspect and tend flowerbeds by weeding, mulching, deadheading plants, and replacing damaged or low-performing plants with new stock.
12:00 PM
Lunch and break
Take a short break, often used to review supply levels and note which materials or tools may need to be ordered or repaired.
1:00 PM
Irrigation and facility maintenance
Check sprinkler systems, fix broken heads, adjust zones, and inspect features such as fountains, benches, or lighting for safety and functionality.
3:00 PM
Special event or seasonal preparation
Prepare areas for upcoming events by trimming, adding ornaments or flowers, and finalizing areas that will be most visible to guests.
5:00 PM
Equipment check and end-of-day review
Supervise cleaning of mowers and tools, note any maintenance issues, and update the supervisor or property manager on completed work and any unresolved concerns.
Tools & Technologies
Web & Social Media
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $46K and $70K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $39K |
| 25th | $46K |
| 50th (Median) | $56K |
| 75th | $70K |
| 90th | $83K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Certified Grounds Manager (CGM)
Professional Grounds Management Society
Validates knowledge of landscape management, budgeting, safety, and environmental practices, and is often considered essential for supervisory roles in larger organizations.
Pesticide Applicator License (core and ornamental/turf)
State department of agriculture
Allows legal use of certain pesticides and fertilizers for lawn and landscape care, and is required in many states for those who apply chemicals professionally.
Recommended
Certified Landscape Professional (CLP)
National Association of Landscape Professionals
Recognizes expertise in landscape installation, maintenance, and business practices, and is valued by companies that serve commercial or high-end clients.
Safety and equipment operation training
National Association of Landscape Professionals
Covers safe use of mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and irrigation tools, along with basic first aid and emergency response relevant to outdoor work.
Professional Memberships
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) membership
Professional Grounds Management Society
Provides access to best-practice resources, benchmarking data, and networking for grounds supervisors in hospitality, education, and corporate settings.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- MonitoringStrong Match
- Time ManagementStrong Match
- Active ListeningGood Match
- CoordinationGood Match
- Social PerceptivenessModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor a good career?
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $56K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor?
The typical education requirement for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor?
Becoming a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor?
The work-life balance for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor?
The job outlook for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Supervisor is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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