groundworker

A groundworker ensures the construction site can withstand heavy construction and hold the structure in place. Some of the typical duties include:

• ground investigation: as a groundworker, it is your job to conduct a site investigation. It is vital to identify the past uses of the land to determine its stability and any potential problems. From the initial research, you can assess contamination and soil condition, which helps you create a suitable plan for site clearance.
• digging trenches and excavation: when you are a groundworker, your work involves digging trenches for the foundation. You can dig the trenches manually on small sites using shovels, but large construction sites require excavation using bulldozers. When you excavate the topsoil, you should remove compressible soil that is unstable for structural loads.
• clearing the site: it is your job to clear the site and remove the topsoil or anything that can affect the construction process. If the site is sloppy, you need to level it by removing the topsoil and constructing a retaining wall and a level development platform. 
• creating the drainage system: complex sites often require tunnelling and creating temporary or permanent drainage systems. It is your job to install the drainage systems or use a shaft-sinking solution to allow the construction crew to install service ducts and cables.
• setting up a construction site: as a groundworker, together with the foreman and your co-groundworkers, it is your responsibility to set up the construction site and deal with logistical issues by creating pathways to and from the site. You should also mark the construction area using string lines and put up barriers and safety signs.
• landscaping the site: when the construction is complete, your job is to landscape the area around the site and remove any waste materials that can cause injuries. Sometimes, you have to create driveways and car parks.

As a groundworker, your work is usually outdoors at construction sites. Sometimes, you have to work under extreme weather conditions like sun and rain. If there is paperwork to complete, you can work from a temporary office at the construction site. 

Since your worksite is prone to accidents, you need to wear personal protective equipment. During excavation, the machines make a lot of noise, and you need earmuffs to protect your ears and a mask to avoid inhaling dust.

Groundworkers often work between 38 and 40 hours a week. Your workday starts at the crack of dawn and ends early unless you are behind schedule and need to work overtime. Sometimes, you work weekends to ensure the site is ready on time. 

Most groundworkers jobs are full-time positions in civil engineering consultancy firms and construction companies. Fortunately, you can secure a part-time position. 

Some employers hire on a contractual basis, and your job ends when the contract lapses. 

As a groundworker, your job involves travelling from one construction site to another. You also need a licence to operate some of the machines and equipment used at construction sites.

Working as a groundworker is a great way to join multiple careers in construction. For instance, you can build on your skills with additional training and become a foreman, a plant operator, roadworker, demolition operator, dumper driver or work as a 360 driver, . Groundworkers with experience also have a chance to become site supervisors or project managers. Self-employment is an option for groundworkers, but you need years of experience before opening a private practice. Some groundworkers also branch out to different roles in the construction industry, like bricklayer or a general construction worker.

Finding your groundworker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a groundworker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

Becoming a groundworker requires minimal qualifications like a Level 1 Certificate in Construction and Groundworks. You can also get an apprenticeship and combine it with on-the-job training.

Groundwork involves site clearance that sometimes requires excavation. Becoming a groundworker is a physically demanding job that requires strength and physical fitness.

Groundwork refers to any job done to prepare sub-surfaces and a construction site before construction work begins. It may include ground investigation and laying the foundation.

You can do some of the groundwork without professional assistance. However, a construction expert should provide the guidelines, and you should not compromise your safety.

NVQ Level 2 Construction and Groundwork training takes around three to four months. However, the time may vary from one person to another.

Applying for a groundworker job is easy: create a randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!