Utility Arborist

Ssen Distribution; Test Valley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in England is looking for a Utility Arborist to join its team in Test Valley. The role involves managing trees and vegetation near the distribution network, ensuring safety during operations. Candidates must have relevant forestry experience and hold necessary qualifications including chainsaw certification. This full-time position offers a competitive salary between £29,504 and £34,757 annually with potential for extra payments based on overtime and standby duties.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Gym membership discounts

Wellbeing benefits

Interest-free loans on tech and transport tickets

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Must hold a current driving licence.
• Ability to adapt to changing business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage tree & vegetation near the distribution network.
• Carry out tree cutting works on various sites.

Skills

Previous experience in forestry

NPTC certificate units for chainsaws

Flexible approach to work

Experience with power lines

High regard for safety

Job description

Utility Arborist

• Posting date: 27 October 2025
• Salary: £29,504 to £34,757 per year
• Hours: Full time
• Closing date: 26 November 2025
• Location: Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3TS
• Company: SSE
• Job type: Permanent
• Job reference: 556738_1761558072

Summary

Base Location: Andover or Salisbury

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

Salary: £29,504 - £34,757 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 Utility Arborists to join our busy team! We have roles available for Utility Arborist Team Leaders and Operatives. In these roles you will work primarily as part of a cyclical tree cutting programme, work will be managed to a tight schedule and alongside your highly skilled team you will manage trees & vegetation near our distribution network. Safety is at the forefront of all activities at SSE, and you will work with your team to evaluate, prepare, and carry out tree cutting works on a variety of sites and voltages.

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.

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 has a bold ambition - to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

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 Kim on 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.

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.