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SSE Renewables

Utility Arborist

Become a Utility Arborist with SSE Renewables in Reading, Slough, London, or Basingstoke. Help maintain safety by managing trees near power lines. Enjoy a competitive salary, overtime potential, and benefits like private healthcare discounts and a Cycle to Work scheme.
SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables
  On-site   Full Time   GBP 30k–35k yearly  UTC+00:00

SSE Renewables

Company Overview

SSE Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE plc

Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom

2010

Approximately 4,900 MW of renewable capacity as of March 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com). SSE plc reported £8.4 billion in revenue for 2023 (source: dcfmodeling.com).

What They Do

SSE Renewables specializes in the development, ownership, and operation of renewable energy assets, primarily focusing on onshore and offshore wind farms, as well as hydroelectric generation. The company is a key player in the renewable energy sector, with a significant emphasis on expanding its capabilities in emerging technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen. SSE Renewables operates within SSE plc's broader low-carbon infrastructure framework, which includes extensive electricity transmission and distribution grids that span nearly 132,000 km and serve approximately 3.8 million customers (source: en.wikipedia.org). The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and aims to address the climate emergency through large-scale renewable projects.

Projects & Track Record

SSE Renewables has an impressive portfolio of completed projects, including the 504MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, which was completed in 2012 off the coast of Suffolk, England, and the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm, which became operational in 2019 off Caithness, Scotland. The company also developed the 100MW Glendoe hydroelectric scheme near Fort Augustus, Scotland, completed in 2009, and the Clyde wind farm, which was operational by 2013, making SSE the largest onshore wind generator in Great Britain and Ireland at that time. Additionally, the 72MW Meentycat wind farm in Ireland is notable for supplying 100% renewable electricity (source: sserenewables.com). The company is currently engaged in major projects such as the 1.1GW Seagreen offshore wind farm, which began construction in 2020 and is set to be completed in 2023.

Recent Developments

In June 2023, SSE Renewables published a brochure celebrating 20 years of offshore wind, highlighting significant milestones from the Arklow Bank project in 2003 to the ongoing construction of the Seagreen project and the development of the Dogger Bank project, which is poised to be the world's largest offshore wind project. In 2023, SSE plc invested £2.3 billion in renewable assets, including wind and solar, achieving a total renewable capacity of 4.7GW, with SSE Renewables contributing 4.9GW by March 2023 (source: sserenewables.com). The company has committed to investing £24 billion over the next decade to further enhance its offshore and onshore wind capabilities.

Working There

SSE Renewables offers a variety of roles across its operations, including positions in renewable energy development, engineering, and customer service. The company operates from key locations such as its headquarters in Perth, Scotland, and various project sites including Cromarty Firth and Nigg, where significant construction activities are taking place for projects like Beatrice and Seagreen. The company culture emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, with initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Fund launched in 2013/14 to support local communities near renewable projects (source: sseheritage.com). SSE Renewables also provides training opportunities, particularly at its Dundee training facility, to ensure employees are well-equipped for the evolving energy landscape.

Contact


Last updated on 2025-12-27 | Report an issue

Job Description

Our Arborist teams help to ensure that during bad weather, trees do not fall on power lines. Working with highly skilled teams, they clear trees and vegetation in proximity to our overhead transmission and distribution network, ultimately keeping the lights on for our customers.

We're growing our team and looking for people who love being outdoors and have experience climbing or working at height. If you have previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture, we want to hear from you!

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 minutes 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 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 invest millions every year to make sure that our network is in the best condition possible to minimise the risk of power cuts and to ensure the safety of the public. 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. As well as installing the latest technologies and carrying out regular maintenance, we have our in-house tree-cutting team to make sure that trees and vegetation are kept 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 work with your team to evaluate, prepare and carry out tree cutting works on a variety of sites.

Qualifications

You have:

  • 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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About the role

January 16, 2026

Full Time

Company

January 16, 2026

On-site

GBP 30k–35k yearly

SSE Renewables

sserenewables.com

  •  Reading, United Kingdom
  •  Slough, United Kingdom
  •  London, United Kingdom
  •  Basingstoke, United Kingdom

Previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture required.

UTC+00:00

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