Arborist - Scotland

Avove Utilities; Melrose; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private GP Helpline

Discount scheme

Family friendly policies

Lifestyle benefits

Wellbeing programme

Employee assistance program

Volunteering days

Charity matched giving

Job summary

Avove is seeking skilled Arborists to join our professional team as part of a major expansion with Scottish Power Energy Networks. The contract is large and offers long-term stability on a six-year program, with a focus on safety and high-profile infrastructure work across Scotland.

You will perform vegetation management, aerial tree work, and operate chainsaws and MEWPs, while supporting apprentices and maintaining safety and quality on-site.

Qualifications

• Mandatory Utility Arb NPTC qualifications including 0039-20 to 23: Chainsaw maintenance, small tree felling, climb trees & perform aerial rescue, chainsaw from rope & harness.
• Additional qualifications 0039-31 to 38: aerial pruning & rigging, wind-related tree felling, MEWP operations, basic electrical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out vegetation management and tree works across the Scottish Power Energy network.
• Performing aerial tree pruning, dismantling, and felling in line with safety regulations and utility standards.
• Operating chainsaws, woodchippers, MEWPs and other specialist equipment.
• Maintaining safety and quality standards on every job site.
• Supporting team members and helping develop apprentices/new staff where appropriate.
• Working at height using rope and harness or MEWP to safely perform aerial tree work.

Skills

Safety compliance

Chainsaw operation

Aerial tree work

Team mentoring

Equipment operation

Job description

Avove is excited to announce a major expansion of our operations with Scottish Power Energy Networks. The contract has now doubled in size to approximately £10 million per annum and is secured for a full six-year period. This enables us to launch a significant recruitment drive focused on long-term planning, investment in people, and cutting-edge equipment.

We are seeking skilled and motivated Arborists to join our professional team. If you're looking for stability, progression, and the opportunity to work on a high-profile energy infrastructure project, this is your chance.

What Will Your Day Look Like…

• Carrying out vegetation management and tree works across the Scottish Power Energy network
• Performing aerial tree pruning, dismantling, and felling in line with safety regulations and utility standards
• Operating chainsaws, woodchippers, MEWPs and other specialist equipment
• Maintaining safety and quality standards on every job site
• Supporting team members and helping develop apprentices/new staff where appropriate
• Working at height using rope and harness or MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) to safely perform aerial tree work

Qualifications Required…

• Key Mandatory Utility Arb NPTC Qualifications 0039-20 to 23: Chainsaw Maintenance, Small Tree Felling, Climb Trees & Perform Aerial Rescue, Chainsaw from a Rope & Harness. 0020-61: Woodchipper
• Further desirable Utility Arb NPTC Qualifications 0039-31 to 38: Aerial Pruning & Rigging, Medium & Large Tree Felling, Individual & Multiple Windblown, Chainsaw from a MEWP & 0038-35 MEWP Working. 301 Utility Arb Basic Electrical Knowledge,
• Emergency First Aid at Work & Forestry First Aid Typical Utility Arb NPTC Progression Training upon Recruitment 302 to 305: Tree Species Recognition, Ground & Aeriel Pruning, Assisted Fell and Pole Top Rescue

What’s In It For You…

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
• Avove Discount Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

About Avove...

Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long-term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high-quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer...

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Join us—and take the next step toward a rewarding and inclusive career.