NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

SOC 37-1012.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers first-line supervisory practice in landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping operations across commercial, institutional, and public grounds environments at Job Zone 3 preparation level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Safety procedures and work standards — recognize and follow under direct supervisor guidance on a commercial landscaping crew.
  2. Daily crew schedules — assist in reviewing and communicating to team members based on task priority lists provided by a supervisor.
  3. Grounds conditions such as soil health and plant vitality — observe and document during supervised tours of parks, cemeteries, or golf courses.
  4. Basic landscaping tasks including mowing, mulching, and watering — perform with minimal oversight on assigned residential or commercial sites.
  5. Verbal instructions from supervisors — receive and relay accurately to crew members during routine groundskeeping operations.
  6. Fertilizer and pesticide mixing procedures — follow labeled protocols under direct supervision on maintained turf or garden areas.
  7. Completed landscaping work — compare against basic specifications checklists under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.
  8. Spreadsheet and office suite software — enter time, inventory, and task data as directed for landscaping crew operations.
  9. Equipment availability and readiness — check and report to a supervisor before daily field assignments begin.
  10. Customer and safety concerns — identify and escalate to a supervisor promptly during grounds maintenance activities.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Crew work schedules — coordinate and adjust based on weather conditions, equipment availability, and shifting project priorities on municipal or private grounds.
  2. Operating procedures and safety standards — communicate and reinforce consistently to a small landscaping crew with reduced supervisory oversight.
  3. Plant and soil conditions — assess during routine grounds tours and recommend corrective actions such as aeration, irrigation adjustment, or pest treatment.
  4. Fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide applications — direct crew mixing and application activities in compliance with label requirements and site contracts.
  5. Project timelines and task deadlines — monitor progress across active landscaping jobs and redirect crew effort when milestones are at risk.
  6. Tree trimming, shrub pruning, and turf care — perform and demonstrate correct techniques to crew members during on-site training situations.
  7. Completed work quality — inspect against contract specifications and provide corrective feedback to workers on commercial or institutional grounds.
  8. Inventory management software — track supply levels of fertilizers, chemicals, and equipment parts to ensure continuous field operations.
  9. Conflict or performance issues within a crew — address using active listening and clear communication to maintain cooperation on a job site.
  10. Work instructions and safety data sheets — read and interpret accurately to ensure proper crew execution of chemical application tasks.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive operating procedures and safety protocols — establish, document, and enforce autonomously across multiple crews on large commercial or institutional grounds contracts.
  2. Complex crew scheduling scenarios — resolve independently by balancing personnel availability, equipment capacity, and weather disruptions across concurrent landscaping projects.
  3. Full grounds inspection tours — conduct across diverse environments such as botanical gardens, golf courses, and cemetery properties, identifying agronomic and aesthetic deficiencies.
  4. Non-routine pest, disease, or soil problems — diagnose through critical thinking and direct targeted chemical or cultural treatment programs without escalation.
  5. Mixed-skill crews of landscaping and groundskeeping workers — direct, instruct, and evaluate to achieve consistent performance on complex maintenance and installation projects.
  6. Contract compliance and quality assurance — verify through systematic inspection of finished work, resolving discrepancies directly with clients or project managers.
  7. Training plans for new and developing crew members — design and deliver using varied instructional strategies tailored to hands-on outdoor learning environments.
  8. Time accounting and database software — use proficiently to generate accurate labor, cost, and project status reports for management review.
  9. Irrigation system performance and water management needs — assess and coordinate corrective maintenance to sustain healthy turf and plantings on managed properties.
  10. Customer service interactions and site-specific requirements — manage independently, translating client expectations into precise crew task assignments and measurable quality outcomes.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational safety culture and operating standards — set policy-level direction that governs all landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping crews across an enterprise or large public agency.
  2. Strategic workforce planning — lead hiring, deployment, and development of supervisory and crew personnel to sustain operational capacity across seasonal demand cycles.
  3. Long-range grounds maintenance programs — design for complex facilities such as large park systems or campuses, integrating sustainability, budget, and horticultural best practices.
  4. Departmental performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives — establish, measure, and refine to elevate service quality and cost-effectiveness across all maintained sites.
  5. Cross-functional coordination with engineering, administration, and public safety teams — lead to align grounds operations with broader facility or municipal management goals.
  6. Vendor and contract relationships — negotiate and manage to secure favorable terms for chemicals, equipment, and subcontracted landscaping services at organizational scale.
  7. Advanced chemical and integrated pest management programs — authorize and oversee organization-wide, ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship across all properties.
  8. Technology adoption decisions including inventory, scheduling, and reporting software — evaluate and champion to modernize operational workflows for all supervisory and field staff.
  9. Mentorship and succession planning for emerging supervisors — lead through structured coaching, performance feedback, and tailored learning strategies within a grounds management career pathway.
  10. Organizational response to crisis conditions such as storm damage, drought, or disease outbreaks — direct resource reallocation and communications to protect grounds assets and maintain service continuity.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted schedule drafting — enters crew availability, job priorities, and weather data into an AI tool to generate a first-pass work schedule, then reviews and manually adjusts the output before distributing to crews Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic reporting support — pastes inspection notes from grounds tours into an AI assistant to produce formatted condition reports, reducing documentation time while the supervisor retains all observational judgments Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Weather-aware crew routing — directs an AI tool to reorganize daily crew assignments when forecast changes arise, validating the reprioritized task list against equipment availability and deadlines before approval Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Safety procedure drafting — prompts an AI assistant to draft or update operating-procedure language for personnel safety standards, then edits the output against site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Personnel performance tracking — uses an AI tool to aggregate attendance, task-completion, and incident records into summary dashboards, freeing supervisory attention for direct observation and coaching Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Integrated workload monitoring — configures an AI-enabled monitoring workflow that flags schedule slippage and resource bottlenecks in real time, allowing the supervisor to intervene before deadlines are missed Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Multi-crew coordination delegation — hands off structured briefs covering site conditions, crew skills, and material inventory to an AI assistant to produce coordinated multi-crew task plans, then reviews feasibility and signs off Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Grounds-condition trend analysis — feeds periodic soil, plant, and turf inspection logs into an AI tool to identify deterioration patterns across seasons, using the output to adjust maintenance cycles proactively Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous-task boundary setting — defines clear scope and verification checkpoints for AI-generated scheduling and reporting workflows, maintaining supervisory authority over all personnel decisions while AI handles high-volume administrative throughput Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-site operational benchmarking — directs AI tools to compare performance metrics, crew productivity, and resource utilization across multiple sites, synthesizing findings into strategic staffing and equipment-investment recommendations presented to management Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI-literacy coaching — trains crew leads and junior supervisors to prompt AI scheduling and monitoring tools correctly, establishing team-wide standards that prevent over-reliance on AI output for safety-critical or personnel judgment calls Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 277
Augment share: 27.7%
Time saved: 89.7%
AI autonomy: 2.58
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Monitoring
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Crew instruction delivery — conveys basic task assignments to landscaping workers using clear verbal directions on job sites Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Customer interaction — responds to straightforward client questions about lawn care schedules or service outcomes with accurate information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Safety protocol communication — explains operating procedures and work standards to crew members in pre-shift briefings, confirming comprehension before work begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Progress reporting — relays project status updates to clients or management using accurate field observations from ground inspections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in field settings — interprets worker concerns or questions about equipment and task assignments, adjusting instructions accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Contract specification communication — articulates conformance expectations to crews and clients by referencing specific standards observed during completed-work inspections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multilingual crew briefing — delivers work instructions and safety requirements using plain language, visual aids, or bilingual communication to ensure all crew members understand assignments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Incident documentation — composes written reports describing safety incidents, equipment failures, or non-conformance findings with precise field detail Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Stakeholder communication leadership — presents landscape project plans, budget implications, and crew performance data to property managers or executive clients using structured, professional oral and written formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Communication system design — develops standardized briefing templates, daily log formats, and crew communication protocols that improve consistency across multiple landscaping crews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Task delegation initiation — assigns specific groundskeeping duties such as mowing, pruning, or fertilizing to individual workers based on posted schedules Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability modeling — demonstrates safe equipment operation and proper horticultural technique to set behavioral expectations for new crew members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Crew scheduling leadership — builds daily and weekly work schedules for landscaping crews by weighing project priorities, equipment availability, and weather conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Performance standard enforcement — identifies workers not meeting established procedures and intervenes with corrective direction during active groundskeeping operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Safety culture leadership — establishes and enforces operating procedures that protect personnel safety across all groundskeeping sites, holding crew members accountable to published standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field supervision execution — directs the full range of crew activities including cultivating, mulching, applying pesticides, and pruning, adjusting assignments as conditions change throughout the workday Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Personnel development — identifies skill gaps in landscaping workers and provides on-site coaching to build competency in horticultural and equipment tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Multi-crew operational leadership — oversees simultaneous landscaping projects across multiple sites by establishing crew leads, setting performance benchmarks, and monitoring aggregate output against contract requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational standard-setting — designs operating procedures and enforcement mechanisms that become adopted as departmental or company-wide groundskeeping standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-assessment of horticultural knowledge — identifies personal gaps in plant, soil, or pest management knowledge and seeks information from experienced colleagues or reference materials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Task prioritization awareness — recognizes when competing job-site demands exceed current planning capacity and requests supervisory guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scheduling strategy reflection — reviews completed weekly crew schedules to identify patterns where weather or equipment availability disrupted timelines, adjusting future planning approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Decision monitoring — tracks mid-project decisions about fertilizer application timing or crew reassignment and evaluates whether outcomes matched expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Supervisory approach evaluation — assesses own effectiveness in directing crew activities by comparing intended instructions with observed worker performance and adjusting communication strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning transfer planning — applies lessons from past project delays or safety incidents to the design of improved procedures for upcoming landscaping contracts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive mentorship — coaches crew leaders to reflect on their own supervisory decisions, modeling structured self-evaluation routines that improve team-wide performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic self-calibration — benchmarks personal management decisions against industry best practices in grounds maintenance and uses that comparison to set professional development goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Condition observation — identifies visible signs of plant stress, soil compaction, or pest damage during routine grounds tours and reports findings to senior supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Instruction verification — checks that crew task assignments align with contract specifications before work begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Weather-impact analysis — evaluates current and forecast weather conditions to determine whether scheduled mowing, seeding, or chemical application should proceed or be rescheduled Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Non-conformance identification — inspects completed landscaping work and distinguishes acceptable outcomes from deviations requiring rework based on contract standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Chemical application decision-making — analyzes soil conditions, plant health indicators, and label requirements to select appropriate fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide formulations and application rates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Root-cause analysis — investigates recurring turf or plant problems at managed sites, distinguishes between soil, irrigation, pest, and maintenance-practice causes, and selects corrective interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Schedule conflict resolution — evaluates competing priorities among multiple active projects and reallocates crew and equipment resources using evidence-based reasoning about impact and urgency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Evidence-based procedure design — analyzes field performance data, incident records, and industry research to develop groundskeeping standards that demonstrably improve safety and quality outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic risk assessment — identifies latent safety or environmental hazards in landscaping operations before incidents occur, synthesizing regulatory requirements with site-specific conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Peer support on job sites — assists fellow crew members with physically demanding landscaping tasks and shares equipment knowledge in routine daily operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-function coordination initiation — communicates crew readiness and schedule status to adjacent departments such as irrigation or facilities maintenance teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Crew coordination — aligns activities of workers performing simultaneous tasks such as mowing, edging, and pruning to maintain efficient workflow without task interference Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client-crew liaison — translates client service expectations into actionable crew instructions, ensuring both parties' needs are represented during project execution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-trade project collaboration — coordinates groundskeeping crew activities with construction, irrigation, or hardscaping contractors on shared job sites to prevent conflicts and maintain timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared safety responsibility — facilitates crew participation in hazard identification and safety planning, building collective ownership of operating procedures rather than top-down compliance alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative culture building — establishes norms and practices within landscaping crews that promote mutual support, shared problem-solving, and cross-training across horticultural specialties Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Inter-organizational partnership — develops working relationships with municipal parks departments, botanical institutions, or property management companies that enable coordinated multi-site groundskeeping programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural honesty — accurately reports completed tasks, chemical quantities used, and work hours without omission or inflation on daily crew logs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Personal safety accountability — wears required personal protective equipment during pesticide mixing and application and encourages crew members to do the same Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Regulatory compliance integrity — ensures crew adherence to pesticide licensing requirements, disposal regulations, and public safety restrictions without cutting procedural corners under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equitable treatment — assigns tasks and schedules fairly across crew members, avoiding favoritism in workload distribution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical enforcement — documents and reports worker safety violations or contract non-conformance accurately even when doing so creates short-term operational friction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client trust stewardship — upholds commitments made to property owners or facility managers regarding service standards, timelines, and chemical usage transparency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for crew performance outcomes, including errors in scheduling or plant care decisions, and communicates corrective actions proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Integrity modeling at scale — establishes an organizational culture in which ethical reporting, safety compliance, and honest client communication are non-negotiable norms across all crews and supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Industry ethics advocacy — contributes to professional associations or regulatory processes that promote responsible chemical use, worker safety standards, and environmental stewardship in grounds maintenance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adaptive task sequencing — proposes alternative task orders when standard workflows are disrupted by equipment failure or unexpected weather conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Planting arrangement suggestions — contributes ideas for plant placement or bed design that enhance visual appeal within client-specified parameters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Problem-solving in field conditions — devises non-standard irrigation or soil amendment approaches when typical methods are unsuitable due to site constraints such as drainage issues or root competition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Schedule innovation — creates scheduling configurations that maximize crew productivity during short weather windows, using creative resource pairing across multiple projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustainable practice integration — introduces water-efficient irrigation techniques, organic amendment strategies, or native plant selections into established maintenance programs to improve environmental outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Visual landscape problem-solving — designs creative solutions for challenging groundskeeping contexts such as steep slopes, heavily shaded areas, or high-traffic turf zones that balance aesthetics with durability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Innovative program design — develops new service offerings or maintenance methodologies such as integrated pest management programs or seasonal color rotation plans that differentiate the organization's capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-industry idea transfer — applies principles from horticulture research, environmental science, or facilities management to create novel groundskeeping protocols that improve outcomes measurably Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts correction from experienced supervisors or agronomists regarding plant identification errors or improper chemical mixing without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Certification pursuit — enrolls in pesticide applicator licensing or horticultural training programs to expand formal groundskeeping qualifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback learning — analyzes causes of turf damage, project delays, or safety near-misses and applies findings to modify future crew instructions and scheduling decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill expansion effort — volunteers to learn unfamiliar equipment operation or advanced pruning techniques beyond current supervisory requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous improvement practice — systematically reviews season-end project outcomes across all managed sites and implements documented changes to procedures for the following season Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge-seeking leadership — accepts responsibility for complex or unfamiliar groundskeeping projects such as botanical garden restoration or athletic field renovation as opportunities for professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture cultivation — builds crew-level learning routines such as post-project debriefs and cross-training rotations that institutionalize continuous improvement across the workforce Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentor-driven development — identifies high-potential workers and provides structured developmental challenges, feedback, and advancement opportunities that accelerate their supervisory readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Hazard awareness — maintains attentive observation of job-site conditions including equipment proximity, chemical exposure risks, and uneven terrain during active groundskeeping operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress recognition — notices personal stress responses during high-demand scheduling periods and applies basic self-regulation techniques to maintain decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Present-moment crew monitoring — sustains focused observation of worker activities throughout the shift to detect unsafe behaviors or quality deviations before they escalate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate inspection practice — conducts grounds tours with full attentional focus on plant and soil conditions, resisting distraction from administrative tasks during field assessment time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional communication — approaches difficult conversations with clients or underperforming workers with composure and deliberate word choice, managing emotional reactivity to achieve productive outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Environmental attunement — reads subtle site conditions such as early pest infestation signs, compaction patterns, or drainage irregularities through sustained, practiced observational attention during routine inspections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful leadership modeling — demonstrates regulated, present-focused supervisory behavior under high-pressure conditions such as storm-damage response or contract disputes, creating psychological safety for crew members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational attentiveness — maintains awareness of cumulative fatigue, morale, and stress patterns across the crew workforce and proactively adjusts scheduling or workload to prevent burnout-related safety risks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Weather adversity response — continues essential groundskeeping operations during physically demanding heat, cold, or post-storm conditions while maintaining safety compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Workload persistence — completes assigned supervision responsibilities during periods of crew understaffing without compromising inspection and monitoring standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Deadline pressure endurance — maintains crew direction and quality oversight on projects with compressed timelines, sustaining performance standards despite time constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — addresses worker disciplinary situations or client complaints directly and constructively, without avoidance or escalation of interpersonal tension Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Seasonal demand resilience — sustains high-quality crew supervision and scheduling effectiveness across the full intensity of peak growing and storm-response seasons without withdrawal from difficult operational demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty management — makes confident crew and resource deployment decisions during ambiguous conditions such as unpredicted weather shifts or sudden equipment failure, keeping projects on track Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational resilience leadership — guides crews through extended high-stress operational periods such as natural disaster response or major facility renovation with sustained morale, performance, and safety compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous accountability — reports unsafe conditions, regulatory violations, or contractual non-compliance to appropriate authorities even when doing so creates organizational or interpersonal risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors65 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Irrigation Technician · Arborist Crew Leader · Buildings and Grounds Supervisor · Cemetery Workers Supervisor · Enhancement Manager · Field Manager · Gardening Manager · Gardening Supervisor · Golf Course Manager · Golf Course Superintendent · Greens Superintendent · Greenskeeper Supervisor
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0310 · Irrigation Technician
O*NET skills
MonitoringTime ManagementManagement of Personnel ResourcesActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationInstructingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionActive LearningLearning StrategiesPersuasionService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlOperations MonitoringWriting
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesMechanicalEducation and TrainingChemistryBuilding and ConstructionDesignAdministrative
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityNear VisionSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionVisualizationWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionInductive Reasoning
Work styles
Leadership OrientationDependabilityCooperationAttention to DetailPerseveranceSelf-Control
Technology
Web page creation and editing softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareTime accounting softwareData base user interface and query software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
  2. Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
  3. Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.
  4. Monitor project activities to ensure that instructions are followed, deadlines are met, and schedules are maintained.
  5. Direct activities of workers who perform duties, such as landscaping, cultivating lawns, or pruning trees and shrubs.
  6. Inspect completed work to ensure conformance to specifications, standards, and contract requirements.
  7. Plant or maintain vegetation through activities such as mulching, fertilizing, watering, mowing, or pruning.
  8. Direct or perform mixing or application of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.
CIP education codes
01.060101.060301.060401.060501.060601.060731.0302

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.