Utility Arborist Chargehand - South East

Equal Approach Ltd.; Petersfield; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking a Utility Arborist to lead tree cutting and vegetation management activities. Responsibilities include ensuring safety protocols during maintenance tasks and evaluating worksites. The ideal candidate will have experience in forestry, relevant certifications, and strong safety awareness. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from £34,749 to £40,939 plus benefits, and is situated in Petersfield, UK.

Benefits

Full PPE and tools provided

Access to company vehicle

Health and wellbeing benefits

Generous family leave entitlements

Qualifications

• Experience in forestry or arboriculture is required.
• Must hold relevant NPTC certificate units.
• Previous climbing experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead tree cutting and vegetation management activities.
• Evaluate worksites and prepare plans for cutting.
• Collaborate with the team for reactive and maintenance tasks.

Skills

Forestry/arboriculture experience

NPTC certificate units for chainsaw use

Climbing experience

Ability to adapt to priorities

High regard for safety

Job description

Overview

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.

During high winds and storms, trees can contact our equipment and cause power cuts, so we cut them down or trim them back to keep the lights on. A day in the life of a Utility Arborist is represented by the responsibilities and environment described for this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in tree cutting and vegetation management activities around the distribution network, following safety protocols.
• Evaluate worksites, prepare plans, and carry out tree cutting or trimming on a range of sites and voltages.
• Collaborate with the team to respond to reactive, customer-focused tasks and cyclical maintenance needs.
• During high winds and storms, assess risk and perform necessary pruning or removal to protect assets and keep power supplied.

Qualifications

• 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 candidates must hold a current driving licence.

Company & Benefits

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.

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.

Salary & Benefits

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.
• Wellbeing benefits: discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships, free online GP and 24/7 counselling service, and cycle to work schemes.
• Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Working Pattern

Permanent | Full Time