Seasonal and part-time staff

A fantastic addition to your team! Here's why...

The greenkeeping and groundcare industry is under pressure. Demand for high-quality playing surfaces is at an all-time high, yet we’re facing staff shortages and budget constraints like never before.

Full-time staffing models are becoming harder to justify year-round, so how do we adapt? One of the best solutions we have is to use seasonal and part-time staff. Done right, this can help clubs and venues save money and stay flexible with a stronger, more dynamic workforce.

Matching workloads to seasonal demands

One of the biggest advantages of seasonal and part-time employment is that clubs and venues can match their staff levels to workload demands.

We know that maintenance needs fluctuate throughout the year. Spring and summer are peak growing periods that require intensive care, but winter can be busy too, requiring specific skill sets with project-based work. Instead of carrying full-time staff year-round, clubs and venues can scale their workforce up during busy periods and down during quieter months. This means they’re using their resources where they’re needed most without unnecessary financial strain.

Beyond routine maintenance, part-time staffing also supports tournament and event management. When clubs host high-profile competitions, they need extra hands to keep everything running smoothly. Clubs can bring in temporary staff to support these efforts, so permanent employees can focus on their core responsibilities without stretching themselves too thin.

Workforce flexibility and skill diversification

Bringing in seasonal staff also gives clubs and venues the opportunity to introduce fresh skill sets. Many professionals in the industry have specialised expertise - capable of taking on the role of a spray technician, irrigation specialist, or mechanic, for example - who may not be needed full-time but can add immense value during busy periods.

This also creates an excellent opportunity for knowledge transfer. Part-time staff working alongside experienced professionals can contribute their own expertise while learning from existing team members. In turn, a club’s full-time employees expand their own knowledge, making the entire team stronger.

Plus, seasonal and part-time roles serve as a stepping stone for people interested in the industry but currently unable to commit to full-time employment. Students, career changers, and semi-retired professionals can gain valuable experience and potentially transition into full-time positions later.

For clubs, this can only be a good thing, providing an ongoing pipeline of trained workers who already understand the organisation’s standards and expectations.

Alleviating burnout and reducing turnover

Another major benefit of integrating seasonal and part-time staff is how it can impact workplace morale. Anyone in the industry knows that the demands of a role in grounds maintenance can be intense, putting staff at risk of burnout - especially in peak season. Clubs can distribute workloads more evenly by strategically bringing in extra support, giving their full-time employees the breathing space they need to maintain high standards without overextending themselves.

Turnover is another ongoing challenge that we can address by using part-time staff when necessary. Staff are more likely to leave for jobs with better hours if they’re tired and overworked, but clubs can create a more sustainable work environment by supplementing the core team with flexible staffing solutions. If a club’s employees are happier and more balanced in their roles, they’re far less likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Facing the challenges of seasonal staffing

Although it clearly has a lot of benefits, there are still issues that can arise from bringing in part-time and seasonal staff.

Training and onboarding are a big concern, especially for smaller clubs or venues with limited budgets. Temporary workers still need to meet club standards, and that takes time and resources. But there are ways to reduce this issue by strategically approaching seasonal hiring - building a reliable pool of returning staff - so the investment pays off in the long run.

Consistency in quality is another issue that venues may face when hiring seasonal or temporary staff. Seasonal workers need to be capable of delivering the same standard of work as full-time employees, and that needs they need to be carefully selected and sometimes given additional training. But there are ways around this challenge, with mentorship programs and structured onboarding helping clubs maintain quality control while benefitting from flexible staffing models.

Finally, staff retention is something that some clubs may be concerned about. Seasonal workers often can’t guarantee their availability year-by-year because many are juggling multiple jobs or commitments. That means clubs need to think creatively about how to keep their seasonal staff engaged. A few possible solutions include offering incentives (financial or otherwise) and providing a clear pathway to full-time roles, not to mention the obvious: creating a positive work environment that staff genuinely want to return to.

The future of flexible staffing in the industry

It’s clear that we need to rethink how we structure careers in this industry. The traditional 7–3 workday model isn’t the only way forward, and using part-time and seasonal staffing can open the doors to a more diverse range of employees. This makes our industry more accessible and allows us to adapt to changing expectations as we move forward.

Using flexible staffing also gives us the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with educational institutions. Clubs and venues can work with colleges and training providers to create flexible pathways into the industry that aren’t limited to rigid apprenticeship models. This is an opportunity to bring in fresh talent and develop workers who are engaged and well-prepared.