Utility Arborist

SSE PLC; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37 hour working week

Overtime payments & standby payments

Company vehicle

Full PPE and tools provided

Employee benefits

Job summary

SSE Arborist roles involve joining a dedicated team across Elgin Moray, Huntly or Aberdeen to manage trees and vegetation near our power distribution networks. You will work in all weather as part of a cyclical cutting programme, prioritising safety and efficiency while keeping communities powered.

This permanent, full-time position expects a 37-hour week, travel with a valid licence, and a company vehicle. NPTC chainsaw qualifications are required to operate equipment safely.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture.
• Relevant NPTC certificate units for chainsaws (UA) and related qualifications.
• Flexible and safety‑driven with the ability to travel and work away.
• Experience around power lines is advantageous and climbing ability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work with a team to manage trees and vegetation near distribution networks.
• Carry out tree cutting works with safety at the forefront of all activities.
• Support storm response and field operations to restore supplies after weather events.

Skills

Tree cutting experience

Safety culture

Driving licence

Travel readiness

Climbing experience

Power line awareness

Education

NPTC UA certificate

Chainsaw certificate

Tools

Chainsaws

Job description

Base Location:

Elgin Moray, Huntly or Aberdeen

Salary:

£30,684 - £36,666 Plus:

Benefits:

• 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 (subject to qualifications).
• 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 | Flexible First options available

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.

Our Arborist teams work all year round in highly skilled teams, clearing trees and vegetation in proximity to our overhead distribution network, keeping the lights on and powering our communities. And during bad weather, they play a key role in our storm response, supporting our lines teams out in the field as they work hard to restore supplies where trees have damaged our 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.
• 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's purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

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 [e-mail] / 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.