How to write a ground worker CV (with template and example)

Updated 25 July 2023

If you like practical work and aspire to work as a ground worker, submitting a job application is an essential step to securing a job in the role. In your application, you can demonstrate your ability to prepare the ground for buildings and instal drainage or sewage systems. Learning how to write a CV as a ground worker makes you more competitive and helps recruiters notice your strengths. In this article, we explain how to write a ground worker CV and share a template and example, which you can use as inspiration to apply for a job in ground work.

What is a ground worker?

A ground worker is a construction professional responsible for preparing and maintaining the ground during all stages of the construction project. Some of their common duties include:

preparing and installing drainage systems
laying concrete on the project site
removing the sewage
installing pumps to redirect water flows
reading and interpreting building documentation and blueprints

Full-time ground workers often work regular hours and spend between 38 and 40 hours in the workplace. Since they're responsible for preparing the ground and installing systems for drainage or sewage, they may work from different locations throughout the week. It's common for ground workers to enter the profession by obtaining a relevant professional diploma or completing an apprenticeship. Some people also choose to work their way up from a construction worker position.

How to write a ground worker CV

Writing a ground worker CV is one of the first steps in the recruitment process that helps you impress potential employers with your experience and expertise. Here's how you can do it:

1. Find a template

To make sure your document is complete and includes all relevant information that employers require, consider using a template. There are various CV templates available online for free. When browsing through them, you can look for more minimalistic documents that use easy-to-read fonts like Verdana or Times New Roman. Although some roles, like a graphic designer or creative director, might require a more decorative template, making your CV look minimalistic can help you talk more about your background and demonstrate your relevant experience in a less distractive way.

2. Provide your contact details

In the first section of your CV, which sits at the top of the page, include your personal and contact details. Use the first line to write your full name, you can also include your degree or professional title here if applicable. In a new line, mention your phone number, email address and location.

3. Write a professional summary

Next, include a section for your professional summary. A summary is a brief overview of your career to date, which allows you to mention your notable professional accomplishments, discuss your work history and talk about your career aspirations. When writing this overview, it's helpful not to exceed three sentences. This is to help recruiters familiarise themselves with your candidate profile in as little time as possible.

Your primary goal with a professional summary is to make recruiters interested enough so that they want to read the rest of your CV. To do that, you can write action verbs. These verbs can make your job application more dynamic and appealing to applicant tracking systems (ATS).

4. Describe your work experience

Use the space below your professional summary to describe your work experience. To improve readability, you can list your latest or current role first. Start by writing your job title and dates of employment. In the second line, write the name of the company and its location. To illustrate what you did on the job, use bullet points to describe key duties, responsibilities and accomplishments. You may consider using action verbs in your work experience section, too, as this helps recruiters understand the scope of work you did.

5. List your skills

Next, create a section for your skills. To decide which of your professional abilities to mention, consider reading through the job description again. Pay attention to the employer's requirements. Some key skills for ground workers include:

knowledge of construction, design and management regulations
understanding of health and safety legislation
ability to use role-specific tools and machinery
teamwork and communication
organisation and time-management

6. Mention your education

In the last section of your CV, mention your education. In the same line, write your title, degree and school or university you attended. You can also list any professional qualifications and certificates that you have, like a national vocational qualification (NVQ) in construction or plant operations.

7. Proofread and edit

When your CV is ready, go through each section again to proofread it. Making sure there are no errors in the application demonstrates your attention to detail. If you're unsure if you have the skills to correctly proofread and edit the document, you can use a free online tool that checks for stylistic or grammar mistakes in the text. Another way to approach this is to ask a friend to help you edit your application.

8. Regularly update your CV

After successfully securing a job with the CV you've created, save and store it for future use. Thanks to getting inspiration from a universal and easy-to-read template, you can simply update the document whenever you're ready to change jobs or careers. Storing and reviewing your past CVs from time to time also helps you notice your progress and analyse how far you've come in your career.

Template CV for a ground worker

Using a template allows you to give your CV structure and make sure you include all relevant information in it. Here's a simple template you can use:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email] | [City]

Professional summary
[A few sentences describing your experience, accomplishments and aspirations]

Experience
[Job title] | [Employment dates]
[Company name] | [City]

(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]

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

Example CV for a ground worker

Reviewing an example CV is one of the best ways to prepare for applying for a job, as it shows you the proper way to demonstrate your experience and qualifications. Here's an example CV for a ground worker, which you can use as inspiration:

Diane Nettle +44 (0)7654 123456 | groundwork@dianen.com| Brighton

Professional summary
Experienced, hard-working and physically fit construction professional with two years of experience in groundwork. Has a valid CSCS card and a strong set of theoretical and practical skills for working in construction. Seeking a new role as a ground worker to further expand my skills and learn new techniques that involve the use of advanced hand and power tools.

Experience
Ground worker | May 2020–August 2022
Ground Working Company | Brighton

Laid down sewage system components
Used service machinery
Helped with inspecting components of industrial equipment and systems
Followed health and safety regulations, both internal and national
Attended regular project meetings

Construction worker | January–May 2020
Unique Design Works Ltd. | Brighton

Conducted manual labour like digging and shovelling
Used hand and power tools like saws and picks
Mixed cement, concrete and other substances

Skills
Knowledge of construction health and safety regulations| Ability to use power tools and heavy machinery| Teamwork and leadership | Interpersonal and communication skills | Attention to detail

Education
NVQ level 3 in construction, Ground Work University Brighton
GCSEs in English (B) and maths (C)

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

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