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Plant, Tree, Tree Trunk, Hardhat, Helmet, Person, Outdoors, Vegetation, Adventure, Leisure Activities

Our Arborist teams help to ensure that during bad weather, trees do not fall on power lines. Working with highly skilled teams, they clear trees and vegetation in proximity to our overhead transmission and distribution network, ultimately keeping the lights on for our customers.

We're growing our team and looking for people who love being outdoors and have experience climbing or working at height. If you have previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture that's a bonus, although full training will be given.

Learn more about our Arborist Opportunities

Utility Arborist

  • 551766
  • Closing at: May 30 2025 - 23:55 BST

Base Location: Swindon, Oxford or Andover

This role is mobile and predominantly field based, and we require your base 'home' location to be within commuting distance of our depots listed above.

Salary: £28,072 - £32,605 DOE, Plus:

  • 37 hour working week.
  • Up to £4,442 for overtime payments & up to £3,820 for standby payments, giving you a potential of £8,262 extra per year. 
  • Full PPE and tools required for the position.
  • Access to a company vehicle.
  • A range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time

We invest millions every year to make sure that our network is in the best condition possible to minimise the risk of power cuts and to ensure the safety of the public. During high winds and storms, trees can contact our equipment and cause power cuts, and so we cut them down or trim them back to keep the lights on.

As well as installing the latest technologies and carrying out regular maintenance, we have our in-house tree-cutting team to make sure that trees and vegetation are kept away from our overhead lines and equipment.

Being part of a cyclical tree cutting programme, you will work with a highly skilled team to manage trees & vegetation near our distribution network. Working with safety at the forefront of all activities, you will work with your team to evaluate, prepare and carry out tree cutting works on a variety of sites.

To see a snapshot of what a day in the life of a Tree Cutter looks like, please click on the link below:

https://careers.sse.com/arborist-roles

You have:

  • Previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture; similar capacity experience is also considered.
  • Relevant NPTC certificate units for the use of chainsaws, and a qualification or certificates including NPTC UA.
  • Enthusiasm and drive with a flexible approach to work and an ability to adapt to changing business and project priorities; you may have to work away from home occasionally so this is key.
  • Holding experience of working with power lines, and climbing would be highly advantageous.
  • High regard for safety, embedding yourself in our safety culture and adhering to guidelines in everything you do is a key priority.

Travel is required and as a result we can only accept applications from candidates that hold a current driving licence.

About SSE 

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline. 

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future. 

Flexible benefits to fit your life 

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave. 

Work with an equal opportunity employer 

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. please contact kim.annink@sse.com / 01738 344051 to discuss how we can support you. 

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry. 

Ready to apply? 

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work. 

 

#LI-DIST 

#LI-KA3 

#LI-Onsite 

 

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Our Benefits

  • Sharesave Scheme
  • 34 days of annual leave
  • Option to purchase up to 10 days holiday
  • Interest-free technology loans
  • 24/7 free and confidential employee counselling service
  • Private healthcare discounts
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • 21 weeks full pay maternity leave
  • Cycle to Work scheme with generous £2500 limit
  • Interest-free salary advance to cover transport season tickets


Explore our full list of benefits:

UK benefits booklet

ROI Benefits Booklet

NI Benefits Booklet

Apply Now

Refer someone to this job

Not You?

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Thank you