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Apprentice Greenkeeper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Greenkeeper information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice greenkeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice greenkeeper in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become an apprentice greenkeeper?

Becoming an apprentice greenkeeper typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in turf management and landscaping. The apprenticeship usually involves on-the-job training and may require passing relevant certifications or courses, but the entry process is generally accessible for those willing to learn and work outdoors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice greenkeeper?

To thrive as an Apprentice Greenkeeper, you should have a basic understanding of horticulture, practical skills for operating maintenance equipment, and a willingness to learn, often supported by GCSEs or equivalent and a genuine interest in turf management. Familiarity with mowers, strimmers, irrigation systems, and potentially the PA1/PA6 pesticide application certificates is advantageous. Attention to detail, good teamwork, a positive attitude, and strong communication skills help someone excel in this role. These competencies ensure consistent support of high-quality playing surfaces, effective collaboration with colleagues, and the ability to adapt to seasonal and weather-related challenges.

How much money do apprentice greenkeepers make?

Apprentice greenkeepers typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 depending on location and experience. As they gain skills and certifications, their pay can increase, and they may also receive benefits such as uniforms and training opportunities.

What is an apprentice greenkeeper?

An Apprentice Greenkeeper is an entry-level role in turf management, where individuals learn how to maintain and care for golf course greens, fairways, and other landscaped areas. Under the supervision of experienced greenkeepers, apprentices gain hands-on experience in mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control. The role often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and requires attention to detail. Apprentices typically work towards a qualification in sports turf maintenance while gaining practical skills. This position provides a pathway to becoming a fully qualified greenkeeper with career advancement opportunities in golf course management.

What does an apprentice greenkeeper do?

A typical day for an Apprentice Greenkeeper involves early starts and a range of outdoor tasks, such as mowing, raking bunkers, scarifying, divoting, and helping with seasonal turf treatments. You’ll work under the guidance of senior greenkeepers and be part of a close-knit team, learning technical skills while ensuring the course is kept in top condition. The role can be physically demanding and may require flexibility to adapt to weather conditions or special events, but offers a rewarding work environment for those who enjoy practical work outside. Over time, you’ll gain experience and may have the chance to work towards further qualifications and career progression within the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Greenkeeper jobs in California?

The most popular types of Greenkeeper jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Greenkeeper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Greenkeeper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Greenkeeper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Greenkeeper job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Greenkeeper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

CENTURY GOLF PARTNERS MANAGEMENT

Golf Course Maintenance GroundskeeperPosition Description

POSITION SUMMARY

A maintenance employee helps keep a course looking its best, not only tending to the holes, but also perform landscaping duties around the clubhouses, parking lots and tee boxes. The purpose of this position is to maintain the grounds of the golf course. Successful performance helps ensure a well-maintained golf course. This position is responsible for maintaining the golf course grounds.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
  • Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
  • Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually having had a similar position for one to two years or associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship.
  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
  • Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of golf course maintenance techniques.
  • Knowledge of the regulations regarding the use of fertilizers.
  • Skill in the use of equipment such as walking and riding greens mowers, tee mowers, fairway mowers, rough mowers, rollers, bunker rakes, carts, push mowers, chain saws and a variety of powered and nonpowered hand tools
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and functions may include the following:

  • May be assigned to cutting grass on the tee boxes, fairways, roughs, fringes and greens using a tractor mower; maintains rough and areas surrounding the golf course.
  • Sodding, trimming on and around the golf course green, fairways and tees.
  • Verticuts, top dresses, and drags greens
  • Assists irrigators when needed in repairing irrigation leaks and replacing sprinkler heads and water lines.
  • Maintains sand traps by filling traps with sand, pumping water out of traps and spinning and raking the traps.
  • Removes trees, trims shrubs and weeds flower beds.
  • Assists in over seeding greens and tees.
  • Performs custodial operations on golf course grounds and buildings including cleaning restrooms and the pro shop.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must frequently lift light and heavy objects, use tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguish between shades of color.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed outside, where the employee is exposed to noise, dirt, machinery with

moving parts, irritating chemicals and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Will use equipment such as walking and riding greens mowers, tee mowers, fairway mowers, rough mowers, rollers, bunker rakes, carts, push mowers and a variety of powered and non-powered hand tools.


THE DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED AND DIRECTED BY MANAGEMENT. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND DUTIES MAY BE MODIFIED WHENEVER DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY MANAGEMENT.