Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hedge Cutter

💰 $ - $

LandscapingGrounds MaintenanceHorticultureSkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

The Hedge Cutter is a skilled professional responsible for the precise trimming, shaping, and long-term health management of hedges and shrubs. This role is fundamental to maintaining the structural beauty, safety, and horticultural integrity of our managed landscapes. Beyond simple trimming, the Hedge Cutter combines an artist's eye with a deep understanding of plant physiology and safe machinery operation. This position requires physical fitness, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to work effectively in all weather conditions, both independently and as part of a larger grounds maintenance team. A successful Hedge Cutter ensures that our clients' properties are presented immaculately, contributing directly to the visual appeal and value of each site.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Grounds Maintenance Operative
  • Landscaping Assistant or Laborer
  • Apprentice Gardener

Advancement To:

  • Senior Gardener or Team Leader
  • Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
  • Arborist (with further certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Greenskeeper (Golf Courses)
  • Landscape Designer Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Expertly trim, shape, and maintain a wide variety of hedges and shrubs to specified heights and designs, ensuring aesthetic appeal and promoting plant health.
  • Operate a range of professional-grade hedge trimming equipment, including petrol, electric, and battery-powered trimmers, long-reach cutters, and articulating trimmers.
  • Work safely and efficiently at various heights using appropriate equipment such as ladders, podium steps, and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), adhering to all working-at-height regulations.
  • Perform thorough pre-work site inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards, including public access, utilities, uneven terrain, and environmental sensitivities.
  • Conduct daily and routine maintenance on all machinery and tools, including cleaning, blade sharpening, lubricating, and performing basic troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and safety.
  • Meticulously clear all clippings and green waste from work areas upon completion, ensuring sites are left clean, tidy, and safe for clients and the public.
  • Apply horticultural best practices to all pruning activities, understanding the specific needs of different plant species and the timing of trimming to avoid disrupting wildlife, such as nesting birds.
  • Identify and report early signs of plant pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other health issues observed on hedges and surrounding flora.
  • Execute intricate topiary work, skillfully shaping shrubs and trees into precise geometric or ornamental forms according to landscape design plans.
  • Utilize traditional hand tools like shears, loppers, and pruning saws with precision for fine-tuning, detailed work, and accessing areas unsuitable for power tools.
  • Interpret and follow detailed work orders, site plans, and client instructions to ensure all tasks are completed to the specified standard and schedule.
  • Manage daily schedules effectively, planning routes and organizing tasks across multiple sites to maximize productivity and meet deadlines.
  • Interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients, property managers, and the general public, providing clear communication and ensuring minimal disruption.
  • Consistently wear, inspect, and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
  • Safely operate company vehicles, which may include vans and trucks towing trailers, to transport equipment, materials, and personnel between the depot and job sites.
  • Perform rejuvenative and structural pruning on overgrown or damaged hedges to restore their health, shape, and density over time.
  • Demonstrate resilience and a strong work ethic by performing physically demanding tasks effectively in a variety of challenging weather conditions.
  • Accurately complete essential job documentation, such as timesheets, digital work logs, and pre-use vehicle check forms, in a timely manner.
  • Work collaboratively as a key member of the grounds maintenance team, assisting colleagues with other landscaping tasks like mowing, planting, and mulching as required.
  • Uphold stringent environmental and safety standards, including proper fuel handling, waste segregation, and the protection of local ecosystems.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc landscaping projects, such as turfing, fencing, or hard-scaping, particularly during off-season periods.
  • Contribute to the organization's positive safety culture by actively participating in safety briefings and reporting any near misses or hazards.
  • Assist with the on-the-job training and mentoring of new or junior members of the grounds maintenance team.
  • Participate in the general upkeep and organization of the depot yard and workshop, ensuring tools and materials are stored correctly and safely.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient and safe operation of a wide range of professional hedge trimming machinery (petrol, battery, long-reach).
  • Strong knowledge of horticultural principles and specific pruning techniques for various common hedge species.
  • Demonstrable competence and certification for working safely at height, including the use of ladders and platforms.
  • Practical skills in routine equipment maintenance, particularly blade sharpening, tensioning, and daily safety checks.
  • A full, clean UK Driving Licence, with trailer towing entitlement (B+E) being highly advantageous.
  • NPTC or LANTRA qualifications for the Safe Use of Hedge Cutters are strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of plant identification for common UK hedge varieties.
  • First Aid at Work certification is desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail with a keen eye for creating straight lines, smooth curves, and immaculate finishes.
  • High level of physical fitness and stamina, with the proven ability to handle heavy equipment and work outdoors throughout the day.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and complete jobs efficiently.
  • A high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • An unwavering commitment to Health and Safety protocols for oneself, the team, and the public.
  • Strong verbal communication skills for effective interaction with clients and colleagues.
  • Absolute reliability and punctuality are considered essential personal traits.
  • A proactive and problem-solving mindset to adapt to unforeseen site challenges or equipment issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A good standard of secondary education (GCSE or equivalent). Demonstrable hands-on experience and a clear passion for the outdoors can be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Preferred Education:

  • A formal qualification in Horticulture or a related discipline, such as RHS Level 2, City & Guilds, or a relevant apprenticeship.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horticulture
  • Arboriculture
  • Landscape Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a role involving grounds maintenance, professional gardening, or landscaping.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience with a significant focus on high-quality hedge maintenance for commercial or high-end residential properties. A portfolio of previous work would be an advantage.
Explore More Careers