Utility Arborist Chargehand - South East

SSE Enterprise; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Utility Arborist Chargehand to join their team. The role involves managing tree and vegetation safety around the distribution network, ensuring high safety standards while participating in cyclical tree cutting programs. Ideal candidates will have experience in forestry, relevant NPTC qualifications, and previous climbing experience. Competitive salary with various benefits offered.

Benefits

Access to private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Wellbeing benefits including online GP access

Interest-free loans for tech and transport

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Previous experience in forestry or arboriculture.
• Relevant NPTC certification for chainsaw use.
• Flexible approach to work and adaptability are essential.
• Experience working near power lines is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage tree and vegetation around the distribution network.
• Evaluate and carry out tree cutting works.
• Work part of a tree cutting programme focused on customer needs.

Skills

Experience in forestry / arboriculture

NPTC certificate units for chainsaw use

Previous climbing experience

Ability to work near power lines

Commitment to safety culture

Job description

Utility Arborist Chargehand - South East

Job Number : 555394

Closing at : Nov 30 2025 - 23 : 55 GMT

Base Location : Petersfield, Aldershot, Basingstoke, Portsmouth

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

Salary : £34,749 - £40,939 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing, and family :

• 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 (subject to qualifications).
• Full PPE and tools required for the position.
• Access to a company vehicle.

Working Pattern : Permanent | Full Time

We are looking for a Utility Arboriculture chargehand to join our busy team!

In this role you will work as part of a cyclical tree cutting programme on more reactive, customer focussed work. As a leader within the team, you will help us manage trees & vegetation around 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. To see a snapshot of what a day in the life of a Utility Arborist looks like, please click on the link below :

You have

• Previous experience in forestry / arboriculture.
• Relevant NPTC certificate units for the use of chainsaws, and qualifications including NPTC UAs.
• Enthusiasm and drive with a flexible approach to work and an ability to adapt to changing business and project priorities.
• Previous climbing experience is essential, and experience working near power lines would be an advantage.
• 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.

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 / 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.