Careers
Building your career in grounds management
Work outdoors, make sport possible, and build a meaningful career with real progression. Whether it's stadium pitches, community parks or grassroots clubs, grounds management is a hands-on, rewarding career – and demand for experienced grounds people and new talent is growing. Whether you're just starting out or already working in the industry and ready for your next move, you're in the right place:
- New to grounds management? Click here to find out why now is a great time to get into grounds management, and explore the different routes in.
- Ready to apply? Click here to browse the latest vacancies on the GMA jobs board, and to find out how you can support your job search.
Why now is a great time to get into grounds management
Groundspeople make sport possible for millions of people across the country – from grassroots to elite level, and from cricket to football and rugby. They also maintain the parks and green spaces that countless communities rely on to enjoy the outdoors.
With participation in recreational sport growing, skilled groundspeople are more in demand than ever – the sector needs new people coming through. For anyone thinking about a career in grounds management, there's never been a better time to start.
Ways into the industry
There's a route into grounds management to suit everyone – and whichever one works for you, we can help.
Courses
Our Level 1 online courses are a simple, flexible way to get started. You'll learn the basics of maintaining pitches and green spaces, including essential skills and equipment know-how.
Apprenticeships
Many of today's top groundspeople started as apprentices. You'll earn while you learn, with hands-on experience at a club, school or organisation.
Full-time study
Degrees and diplomas in turfgrass science, sports turf management or horticulture can set you up for a career in grounds management.
Volunteering
Get stuck in at a local club or park. It's a hands-on way to build skills and find out if it's the career for you.
Got a question about getting your first role?
Our NextGen board is here to help.
Your next move
Already working in grounds management and looking for what's next? Whether you're ready for a new role now or building towards one, the GMA can help.
Find your next opportunity
GMA Jobs brings together the latest grounds management vacancies across sport, education, local authorities, private estates, contractors and more. Sign up for job alerts and get new roles sent straight to your inbox, so you never miss a relevant opportunity.
Keep developing your skills
The best way to prepare for your next role is to keep growing in your current one. The GMA offers training and qualifications to help you build your expertise, move into more senior or specialist roles, and progress with confidence. And our Grounds Management Framework sets out a clear pathway from entry level to the top of the profession – so you can see exactly where you're headed and what it takes to get there.
Testimonials
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