Utility Arborist

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Base

Location:

Reading, Slough, West London or Basingstoke. This role is mobile and predominantly field based, and we require your base ‘home’ location to be within 30‑minute commuting distance of our depots listed above.

• Salary: £29,504 – £34,757 + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing, and family.
• 37‑hour working week.
• London weighting allowance if based in Slough or London.
• Up to £4,442 for overtime and up to £3,820 for standby payments, giving 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 invest millions every year to keep our network in the best condition possible to minimise the risk of power cuts and to ensure public safety. 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. In addition to installing the latest technologies and carrying out regular maintenance, we have an in‑house tree‑cutting team to keep trees and vegetation away from our overhead lines and 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 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 visit

• 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.
• Holding 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.

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.

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.

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Kim on  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.

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’re 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.