Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ivy Cutter

🎯 Role Definition

An Ivy Cutter is a hands-on vegetation management specialist responsible for removing invasive ivy and other climbing or ground-cover plants from trees, structures, and landscapes using hand tools and powered equipment. This role blends manual cutting, targeted herbicide application (where permitted), stump and root removal, erosion control and revegetation, equipment upkeep, and clear communication with site supervisors, clients, and environmental compliance officers. The ideal candidate combines physical stamina and outdoor experience with strong safety habits, plant identification knowledge, and a commitment to restoring healthy landscapes while minimizing ecological impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Groundskeeper / Grounds Maintenance Worker
Landscape Laborer / Crew Member
Conservation Corps Member or Seasonal Park Worker

Advancement To:

Vegetation Management Technician / Crew Lead
Landscape Foreman / Site Supervisor
Invasive Species Specialist or Restoration Technician

Lateral Moves:

Arborist Assistant
Horticultural Technician
Erosion Control / Stormwater Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct thorough site assessments to identify and prioritize ivy infestations and associated invasive species, documenting plant species, infestation extent, sensitive ecological areas, and risks to trees and infrastructure.
Execute safe and effective mechanical cutting and removal of climbing and ground-cover ivy using pruning saws, loppers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and hand tools to eliminate plant material from trunks, walls, fences, and root mats.
Perform stump and root crown removal and treatment to prevent regrowth, including targeted digging, root extraction, and follow-up monitoring to verify regrowth suppression.
Apply targeted herbicide treatments in compliance with local regulations and integrated vegetation management plans, including proper mixing, application, buffer management, and detailed chemical use logs (where certification allows).
Use chainsaws and pole saws to remove large vines and woody stems from trees and structures while following chainsaw safety standards, felling protocols, and trusted rigging techniques when necessary.
Clear, bag, and dispose of plant material, debris, and cuttings from sites according to municipal waste guidelines and company sustainability policies, including chipping on-site when appropriate.
Protect and preserve desirable trees, shrubs, and native vegetation during invasive removal by employing trained pruning techniques, trunk protection, and minimal-impact access methods.
Install erosion-control measures and temporary stabilization (mulch, biodegradable matting, silt fence, wattles) after large-area ivy removal to prevent soil loss and promote safe revegetation.
Prepare sites for revegetation by grading, amending soils, planting native plugs or seed mixes, and performing initial watering and mulch application as directed by restoration plans.
Maintain accurate field notes, treatment maps, before-and-after photos, and digital records using mobile devices or field forms for reporting to supervisors and environmental compliance officers.
Coordinate with landscape architects, arborists, environmental scientists, and property managers to execute integrated control plans and adjust methods based on site-specific constraints.
Operate and maintain powered equipment (brush cutters, chippers, stump grinders, small tractors, utility trailers) including pre-use checks, fueling, troubleshooting, safe transportation, and preventive maintenance.
Lead and train new crew members on safe ivy removal techniques, proper tool use, personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols, and company-standard best practices for invasive species control.
Perform traffic control and public-safety measures when working in roadside, park, or high-visibility urban settings, including placement of signage, cones, and barricades, and communicating with pedestrians.
Follow lockout/tagout, confined-space entry, fall protection, and other site-specific safety protocols during removal activities on steep slopes, near ledges, or on elevated work platforms.
Inspect and report hazardous conditions encountered during cutting (e.g., damaged trees, hidden utility lines, poison ivy/poison oak exposure) and escalate promptly to supervisors for remediation.
Manage inventory of hand tools, PPE, spare parts, and chemicals, submitting requisitions and tracking usage to keep crews stocked and compliant.
Support bidding and site-estimate activities by measuring infestation areas, estimating time and equipment needs, and documenting labor and disposal cost drivers for proposals.
Engage directly with property owners and facility staff to explain work scope, access needs, expected outcomes, and post-treatment care to ensure alignment and minimize customer concerns.
Work flexible hours including early mornings, occasional weekends, and extended shifts during seasonal peak periods while maintaining consistent on-site productivity and attention to safety.
Participate in continuous improvement efforts by providing constructive feedback on techniques, tools, and restoration outcomes to reduce regrowth and increase long-term success.
Respond to emergency vegetation removal requests (storm damage, safety hazards) with rapid mobilization and prioritization of life-safety considerations.
Perform seasonal monitoring and follow-up visits to treat resprouts, assess revegetation success, and update long-term maintenance schedules as required by restoration plans.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient with mechanical cutting tools: brush cutters/brush saws, hedge trimmers, loppers, pole saws, and pruning saws; able to select correct blade/line type and cutting technique for ivy and vines.
Chainsaw operation and maintenance experience, including safe felling, maintenance checks, chain sharpening, fueling, and OSHA/ANSI chainsaw safety compliance.
Experience operating and maintaining small equipment: stump grinders, wood chippers, utility tractors, and trailer hitches.
Pesticide/herbicide handling and application knowledge; state or federal pesticide applicator certification preferred where chemical control is part of the program.
Strong plant identification skills, including ability to distinguish invasive ivy species from native vines, poison ivy/poison oak recognition, and knowledge of local native restoration species.
Competency in erosion-control installation and basic restoration techniques: seedbed prep, native planting, mulching, and temporary stabilization methods.
Familiarity with site assessment, mapping, and digital field-reporting tools (GPS, GIS basics, or mobile field-apps) to document treatment areas and outcomes.
Ability to read and interpret site plans, work orders, and safety documentation; measure areas and estimate quantities for material and labor.
Proficient in maintaining equipment logs, chemical records, and accurate daily work reports for compliance and billing.
Valid driver’s license with experience towing trailers; CDL preferred for roles that require transporting heavy machinery.
Basic first aid and CPR certification; ability to manage minor on-site injuries and escalate emergencies.
Knowledge of waste-disposal regulations and organic waste/green waste handling best practices.
Comfortable using PPE and enforcing PPE requirements among crew members (hard hats, eye protection, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw chaps, respirators when required).
Ability to operate in variable weather and terrain, including safe navigation of slopes, uneven ground, and confined spaces.

Soft Skills

Strong physical stamina and manual dexterity, with the discipline to sustain repetitive cutting and lifting tasks safely over long shifts.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with crew, supervisors, clients, and regulatory contacts.
Attention to detail and observational skills to detect early regrowth, disease, or hazards impacting trees and structures.
Problem-solving mindset to adapt techniques on-site when encountering unexpected substrate, utilities, or ecological sensitivities.
Team orientation and leadership capacity to mentor junior crew members and maintain positive morale on physically demanding jobs.
Time management and punctuality; ability to sequence tasks efficiently to meet daily production targets and project timelines.
Customer-service orientation and professionalism when interacting with homeowners, facility managers, or public visitors.
Commitment to safety culture, including proactive hazard identification, near-miss reporting, and adherence to site safety plans.
Flexibility and adaptability for changing priorities, variable weather, and multi-site schedules.
Initiative and reliability; ability to work with limited supervision and escalate issues appropriately.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (or relevant demonstrable field experience).

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in horticulture, arboriculture, forestry, environmental science, or landscape technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture / Landscape Technology
Forestry / Arboriculture
Environmental Science / Restoration Ecology
Occupational Safety / Heavy Equipment Operation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of hands-on experience in grounds maintenance, invasive plant removal, or landscape restoration; seasonal hires may have 6–12 months of focused field experience.

Preferred:

2+ years specifically in ivy/invasive vine removal, experience applying herbicides under licensed supervision, and demonstrated operation of chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders. Previous crew lead or supervisory experience is a plus.