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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

  • 552015
  • Closing at: May 6 2025 - 23:55 BST

About the Role

Base Location: Stirling / Dunblane / Perth - covering SSEN Perthshire locations

Salary: £28,072 - £32,605 / £33,063 - £38,404 (to be considered at the hiring salary range, further cutting tickets - UA1 2.1 and 2.2, 2.3 and previous utilities experience is required)

- 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 are looking for Utility Arborists to join our busy team!  You will be part of a team working on a cyclical tree cutting programme near the SSE distribution network.

You will

- Work to a tight schedule, managing trees and vegetation across various sites and voltage levels.

- Prioritise safety in all tasks, collaborating with your team to evaluate and carry out tree cutting activities.

- Support emergency response efforts by helping remove or trim trees during high winds and storms to prevent power outages.

- Make a real impact in keeping the lights on and ensuring the reliability of the power supply during all weather conditions.

In addition to your daily role, 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. To see a snapshot of what a day in the life of a Utility Arborist looks like, please click on the link below:

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

You will have

- Previous experience in forestry, arboriculture, or a closely related field.

- Relevant NPTC certificate units for the use of chainsaws, and a qualification including NPTC UA.

- 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.

About our Business

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.

What's in it for you?

An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Hannah on hannah.e.cutajar@sse.com / 01738 341147

Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

#LI-DIST

#LI-HC1

#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

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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