Utility Arborist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

PPE provided

Overtime payments

Standby payments

Benefits to support family and well‑be

Job summary

SSE is seeking a Mobile Utility Arborist to support vegetation management near our distribution network. The role is field-based with a 37-hour week, providing a company vehicle and access to related benefits.

The successful candidate will work within a planned tree-cutting programme, follow safety standards, and help keep power supplies reliable across various environments and weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in forestry, arboriculture, or related field.
• NPTC certificate units for chainsaws and NPTC/UAs qualification.
• Flexible approach to work and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience with power lines; climbing is advantageous.
• Strong commitment to safety and safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Maintain vegetation near the distribution network and ensure safety.
• Carry out tree-cutting operations across varied environments and voltage levels.
• Work within the planned programme and adhere to high safety standards.
• Travel is required; base location within 30 minutes of a depot.

Skills

Forestry experience

NPTC certificates

Driving licence

Safety culture

Climbing experience

Education

NPTC/UAs certificates

Job description

Base Location:Swindon or Oxford

This role is mobile and predominantly field based, and we require your base 'home' location to be within 30 minutes from our depot listed above.

Salary: £30,684 - £36,666 DOE, plus:

• 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 a Utility Arborist to join our busy team!

As a Utility Arborist, you will play a vital role in keeping the electricity network safe and reliable. Working as part of a planned tree-cutting programme, you will help manage trees and vegetation near our distribution network, ensuring work is completed safely and to schedule.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will assess sites, plan work activities and carry out tree-cutting operations across a variety of environments and voltage levels, always following the highest safety standards.

You will also play an important role during periods of severe weather. High winds and storms can cause trees to come into contact with network equipment, leading to power outages. Your work in cutting, pruning and managing vegetation helps prevent disruptions and restores power when incidents occur, keeping communities connected and 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 and UAs
• 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.

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 344051 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.

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