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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

  • 551443
  • Closing at: Feb 17 2025 - 23:55 GMT

Base Location: Fort William

Salary: £28,072 - £32,605 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time

The role

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.

We have opportunities for Utility Arborists to join our operational team in Fort William.

You will

- Ensure that trees and vegetation are kept away from our overhead lines and equipment.

- Be part of a cyclical tree cutting programme, working with a highly skilled team to manage trees & vegetation near our distribution network.

- Work 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.

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 would be beneficial however not essential.

- 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.

- Experience of working with power lines, and climbing would be highly advantageous.

- A high regard for safety, embedding yourself in our safety culture and adhering to guidelines in everything you do is a key priority.

About SSE

SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 3,500 people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital to achieving net zero. By enabling a smarter, more resilient electricity network we're ensuring our local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future. We are consistently investing and innovating to improve network resilience and future-proof power supplies for life's changing demands, from rolling out large scale EV charging schemes to supporting small community generation projects.

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 Hannah on Hannah.e.cutajar@sse.com / 01738 341147 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.

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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?

We have emailed you a code to verify your identity. Please check your spam/junk folder if you don't receive the email in your inbox.

Thank you