What does a groundworker do?
Groundworkers are often the ones who start the work on the construction site. They are responsible for preparing the sub-surface and getting it ready to lay the foundations. In this phase, they might have to install drainage systems and lay concrete. They may need to remove vegetation on the site, as well. Groundworkers need to be able to understand the building design specifications, which will provide instructions on how the building will be laid out on the plot. At the end of the construction, a groundworker lays footpaths and driveways, leaving the area ready for use.
Groundworker skills and qualifications
Being a groundworker is physically demanding. Employers usually request that candidates have a good level of fitness to be able to be effective throughout their day, while maintaining safe functioning of the site. Most, if not all, of the time is spent outdoors, in changing weather conditions as well. Successful groundworkers will need some or all of the following skills:
- Be enthusiastic and hard-working
- Have basic numeracy skills
- Be able to work as part of a construction team
- Be resilient to various weather conditions
- Have physical strength and stamina
- Be able to use architects’ drawings and structural engineers’ specifications
- Know how to operate plant machinery, including trucks and excavators
Groundworker experience requirements
As with most jobs, there are always benefits to having experience before applying for the role. However, a lot of vacancies for groundworkers require little to no experience. Having experience might result in a slightly higher pay level, but this can also be addressed and increased while on the job. As candidates demonstrate more work experience and responsibilities to their employers, their wages should increase.
Groundworker education and training requirements
Although experience is not necessarily required for the job, employers will be looking at some qualifications when screening and selecting applicants. As with most roles in the construction industry, the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) labourer’s card is usually necessary. Any plant machinery qualification is a plus. An ability to drive a forward-tipping dumper or ride-on roller is highly desirable. As groundworkers are responsible for these tasks, these qualifications demonstrate the skills of the applying candidate. Groundworkers should be able to work on a wide variety of tasks on the construction site. Versatility is an advantage. This job gives a good overview of the different roles on a construction site and allows candidates to get to know themselves and identify which area of construction is the best fit for them and for their career progression.
Groundwork salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a groundworker is £17.29 per hour. Rates vary depending on the level of experience, any qualifications and the location of the work.
Job description samples for similar positions
There is a variety of jobs available in the construction industry. If this groundworker job description is not quite what you are looking for, check our similar job description samples below:
Groundworker job description FAQs
Do groundworkers need a CSCS card?
To see their candidatures considered, groundworkers should have a CSCS card. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme, also known as CSCS, is the most recognised card scheme within the construction industry in the UK. Although the card is not a legal requirement, it provides proof of adequate training in how to operate safely in a construction environment.
Why hire groundworkers?
The preparation of foundations is often a must before building work can start. Having a team of groundworkers ready and available will save time and hassle. The role is physically challenging, making groundworkers highly sought after in the construction industry.
What are the types of groundworker?
Groundworkers can work on two types of task, naturally dividing the work into two specialities. Site clearance consists in clearing the construction site of any obstructing materials. This is when levelling the floor takes place. Laying foundations is the other type of work carried out by groundworkers. This involves excavation and underpinning, and also extends to installing driveways and footings.
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