How to Write a Greenkeeper Resume (With an Example)

Updated 25 May 2023

Creating a factual and effective greenkeeper resume can help you attract the attention of hiring managers or potential employers. Greenkeepers typically maintain turf or lawns, fertilise and mow grass, operate power equipment and sometimes install fences. Learning how to create an effective resume that highlights your relevant skills and experience may help increase your chances of getting a new job. In this article, we discuss what a greenkeeper resume is, show you how to write one and provide a template and example for you to reference.

What is a greenkeeper resume?

A greenkeeper resume is a formal document that landscaping professionals use to apply for vacant positions. An effective resume can help show a recruiter or hiring manager you're suitable for the position by highlighting your industry-specific skills, previous career experience and motivations towards finding a new position. The hiring manager may scan your resume to decide if they want to move forward with your application, and they may invite you for an interview if they think you're a good fit for the role.

How to write an effective greenkeeper resume

You can use the following steps when compiling your resume:

1. Include your contact details

List your contact information at the top of the document to make it easy for a hiring manager or employer to locate the information and contact you if they would like to discuss the role further. Some key details include are your name, phone number and email address. These details make it easier for an interested party to schedule an interview. Adding your location can also help them see that your location is convenient for the position. You may consider mentioning a willingness to relocate or travel on your resume if you're some distance away.

In addition, make sure the phone number you list has a professional voicemail and that you set an out-of-office reply to your listed email if you're unable to attend on certain days or are away.

2. Read the job advertisement thoroughly

Many greenkeepers look after golf courses, but some employment positions require looking after a different type of landscape or additional skills. When applying for a new role, read the advertisement and job description carefully to understand what the employer is looking for and what the job entails. Listing the desired competencies they ask for and implementing keywords on your resume can help increase your chances of attracting the hiring manager's attention.

3. Compile a professional summary

After your contact information, begin your resume with a professional summary that shows your experience and motivation. In your summary, you can include key professional achievements that may impress a hiring manager or employer. A typical professional summary is two to three sentences long, so be sure to keep your writing concise and to only include the most relevant information.

4. Go over your professional history

Some greenkeeper jobs require a certain number of years of relevant experience. In other roles, experience is optional, but it can show hiring managers that you have background knowledge. This may mean you require less training in a new role, and it may increase your chances of earning an interview. When listing your past work experience, include the company's name, position, employment dates and typical duties and responsibilities. Listing your job history in a consistent and neat format in your resume can enhance the document and make it easier for the employer to read.

5. Highlight your skills

Being a greenkeeper is a role that requires manual labour, so highlighting your existing physical skills is a great way to show your suitability for the role. These could be skills such as using power tools safely, high fitness levels, working with irrigation systems or similar. Several soft skills are beneficial for a greenkeeper, including resilience, attention to detail and verbal communication abilities.

6. Detail your education and certificates

You're able to work as a groundskeeper without tertiary or formal qualifications, but gaining a certificate in a subject like botany, horticulture or sports turf management may enhance your resume and appeal to an employer. Some greenkeepers' jobs also require a full driver's licence or White Card, which you can list in this section if you possess them. You can also highlight one-day courses to do with your career in this area of your resume.

7. Review your resume

Your resume is a formal document that allows you to present yourself as a suitable candidate for a job opening. Check your resume for any spelling, grammar, formatting or other minor issues. You can also get a friend or family member to review it before officially submitting it or use search and replace functions on your document writing software.

Tips for writing an effective resume

You can use these tips when you're writing your resume:

Keep your document consistent. Consistent fonts, margins and font sizes can help make your resume easier to read and more appealing to a hiring manager.
Avoid repetition: Even though it can be effective to use the keywords you find in a job advertisement in your resume, try not to be over-repetitive.
Consider your target audience: Depending on the exclusivity and status of the golf course or club you're applying for, consider who might read your resume. Tailoring your language choices to your target demographic could help distinguish you from other applicants.

Resume template for a greenkeeper

Below is a resume template you can use when creating your document:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Skills

Education

[Qualification], [Name of institution]

Resume example for a greenkeeper

Here's an example of a greenkeeper resume written in the above template style:

Joel Malford +61 3 7010 2222 | jmalford87@email.com | Warragul, Victoria

Professional Summary

A dedicated and friendly greenkeeper with over five years of experience providing landscaping and maintenance for golf courses and their facilities. Very familiar with the land and conditions in southeast Melbourne and was responsible for training new employees during my time at Cheptane Golf Park.

Experience

Head Greenkeeper | July 2016–August 2022
Cheptane Golf Park | Warragul, Victoria

Provided daily maintenance to the course, including weed eating, trimming and removing shrubbery, installing portable sprinkler systems and edging cart paths and other areas
Set up the golf course, including moving holes, clearing hazards and changing markers
Trained a team of five junior and intermediate greenkeepers
Worked across a rotating seven-day roster through any weather condition
Communicated cordially with all guests and other staff members

Head greenkeeper| November 2011–June 2016
Mason Heights| Melbourne, Victoria

Cared for and maintained natural turf grounds, lakes and border shrubbery and trees
Inspected colleagues' areas and gave constructive feedback
Complied with all requests in a timely and friendly manner

Skills

Experienced with power tools | Workplace health and safety knowledge | Self-management | Attention to detail

Education

Certificate IV in Sports Turf Management, FranQ Blue TAFE

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.