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What a groundworker does
A groundworker prepares a site and lays the groundwork before the structure rises: excavating, laying drainage and services, forming foundations, pouring concrete and carrying out external works such as kerbs, paths and hardstanding.
The role is physical and varied, working outdoors and often with plant and machinery. Groundworkers follow setting-out information and method statements, with safety around excavations, services and plant a constant priority.
Core responsibilities
- Excavating, levelling and preparing ground.
- Laying drainage, ducts and underground services.
- Forming and casting foundations and slabs.
- Concreting, kerbing and external works.
- Working to setting-out information and method statements.
- Maintaining safety around excavations, services and plant.
Skills and qualities
- Physical fitness and stamina for heavy outdoor work.
- Knowledge of excavation, drainage and concreting.
- Care with plant, services and excavation safety.
- Ability to follow setting-out and method statements.
- Attention to levels and accuracy.
- Reliability and good teamwork on site.
Typical employers and settings
- Groundwork and civil-engineering contractors.
- Construction firms and main contractors.
- House builders and property developers.
- Infrastructure and utilities projects.
- Site-preparation and external-works specialists.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through trade and labour agencies.
- Screening looks at experience, any cards, fitness and right to work.
- Interviews are practical and emphasise safety and methods.
- Employers commonly check references and required safety cards.
- Onboarding covers setting-out, method statements and the tasks.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out the tasks and any cards required.
- Proof of relevant groundwork experience or qualifications.
- An employment contract or assignment terms for agency work.
- An offer letter confirming role, site and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
- A safety induction and method-statement briefing record.
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