Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Professional Grass Cutter / Lawn Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a motivated and detail-oriented Grass Cutter / Lawn Maintenance Technician to join our growing team. In this role, you will be the face of our company, responsible for executing a range of lawn care services that ensure our clients' properties are maintained to the highest standard. The ideal candidate is a reliable self-starter who takes pride in their work, enjoys being outdoors, and understands the importance of safety and efficiency. You will operate professional-grade equipment and work collaboratively with a team to transform and uphold the beauty of residential and commercial landscapes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Entry-Level Landscaper
Outdoor Maintenance Assistant

Advancement To:

Lawn Care Team Lead / Crew Foreman
Grounds Supervisor
Landscape Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Irrigation Technician
Pest Control Applicator
Arborist Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate commercial-grade zero-turn, walk-behind, and push mowers to cut turf to specified heights, ensuring a uniform and manicured appearance across diverse property types.
Utilize string trimmers (weed eaters) with precision to carefully edge along driveways, sidewalks, curbs, garden beds, and other obstacles for a clean, defined finish.
Employ high-powered backpack and handheld blowers to meticulously clear grass clippings, leaves, and other organic debris from all hard surfaces, including patios, walkways, and parking lots.
Perform daily pre-operation checks and routine preventative maintenance on all equipment, including cleaning, blade sharpening, oil changes, and fluid level checks, to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Identify and manually remove or apply approved herbicides to control common weeds in lawns and garden beds, following all safety data sheet (SDS) guidelines and company protocols.
Apply granular or liquid fertilizers and soil amendments according to predetermined schedules and calibrated application rates to promote healthy, vigorous turf growth.
Operate specialized equipment such as core aerators and power rakes (dethatchers) to alleviate soil compaction and remove thatch buildup, improving water and nutrient absorption.
Conduct comprehensive seasonal leaf clean-up using a combination of rakes, blowers, and landscape vacuum systems to maintain property aesthetics and overall turf health.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients on-site, addressing basic questions and proactively reporting any property issues or enhancement opportunities to the team lead.
Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety policies and procedures, including the proper and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
Install fresh mulch or pine straw in garden beds and around trees to enhance visual appeal, retain soil moisture, and suppress aggressive weed growth.
Perform light, selective pruning and trimming of shrubs, hedges, and small ornamental trees to maintain their desired shape, size, and structural integrity.
Safely and skillfully operate company vehicles, including trucks with attached trailers, to transport crew members, equipment, and materials to and from various job sites.
Accurately and consistently complete daily work logs, service tickets, and material usage reports to ensure proper client billing and effective inventory management.
Load, transport, and properly dispose of all landscape debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, and branches, at designated composting or waste facilities.
Conduct a final quality control walk-through of each property upon service completion to ensure all tasks are executed to the highest quality standards and meet or exceed client expectations.
Work collaboratively and efficiently with other crew members to complete scheduled jobs, providing assistance to teammates as needed to maintain workflow and meet deadlines.
Identify potential turf diseases, insect infestations, and other plant health issues, promptly reporting findings to a supervisor for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Prepare job sites for service by removing temporary obstacles, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring all necessary tools and equipment are ready for the day's tasks.
Monitor and perform supplemental watering for new sod, seed, or plantings as directed by a supervisor to ensure successful establishment and long-term health.

Secondary Functions

Perform minor irrigation system repairs, such as replacing broken sprinkler heads or fixing small leaks.
Assist with seasonal projects, including the installation of annual flowers, perennials, and small shrubs.
Support snow and ice removal operations during winter months, including shoveling, plowing, and applying de-icing agents.
Participate in ongoing training sessions to stay updated on best practices, new equipment, and safety procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial Mower Operation: Proficiency with various mowers, especially zero-turn and walk-behind models.
Trimmer and Edger Proficiency: Skill in creating clean, sharp lines along hardscapes and beds.
Small Engine Maintenance: Basic ability to clean, check fluids, and sharpen blades on landscape equipment.
Equipment Operation: Safe and efficient operation of backpack blowers, aerators, and dethatchers.
Driving and Trailering: A valid driver's license and experience safely maneuvering a truck and trailer combination.
Horticultural Knowledge: Basic understanding of turf types, common weeds, and plant health indicators.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to completing tasks thoroughly.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for quality and the ability to notice small imperfections.
Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods in various weather conditions.
Time Management: Capable of working efficiently to meet service deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work well with others and communicate clearly with crew members and supervisors.
Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues on-site (e.g., equipment malfunction, property hazard) and finding a solution.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or coursework in Horticulture or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Turfgrass Management
Landscape Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years

Preferred: 1+ years of professional experience in commercial or residential lawn maintenance, using commercial-grade equipment.