2025 apprentice and trainee opportunities now open! Apply now

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

  • 555508
  • Closing at: Oct 20 2025 - 23:55 BST

Base Location: Oban or Lochgilphead

Salary: £29,504 - £34,757 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Utility Arborist to join our in-house vegetation management team, playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our distribution network and supporting our journey towards a sustainable, Net-Zero future.

You will

  • Be involved in all aspects of vegetation management and tree care around our overhead and underground networks as well as substations and other Distribution assets to ensure our network remains functional and safe within a geographical area.
  • Work within a highly skilled team responsible for managing trees & vegetation near the distribution network as part of our vegetation management maintenance programs.
  • Understand the relevant industry legislation and safety guidelines associated with carrying out arboriculture work within the proximity off power lines.
  • Carry out requested works safely, efficiently and effectively to meet delivery targets with your team.
  • Commit to providing a high level of service at all times, great communication skills and and building customer relationships is a must. 

You have

  •  Previous experience in arboriculture or forestry and hold relevant NPTC units, UA units would be ideal but not essential
  •  Enthusiasm and drive with a flexible approach to work and an ability to adapt to changing business and project priorities.
  •  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.
  •  Hold a current drivers licence we cover a large area and travel is essential 

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 Hannah on fiona.smith@sse.com / 01738 340954 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-FS1

#LI-Onsite

Apply Now

Refer someone to this job

Not You?

Thank you

Our Benefits

  • 34 days of annual leave with the option to purchase up to 10 days holiday
  • 24/7 free and confidential employee counselling service
  • Sharesave Scheme
  • Private healthcare discounts
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • Generous family entitlements including adoption leave, paternity leave and gradual return to work for new parents
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets
  • And much more…


Explore our full list of benefits:

UK benefits booklet

ROI Benefits Booklet

NI Benefits Booklet

Apply Now

Refer someone to this job

Not You?

Thank you