Here's a professional review of the job description, designed for a webpage to inform potential candidates:
Opportunity Overview: Field Arborist/Tree Cutter with SSE Networks
This role presents a compelling opportunity for experienced arborists and tree cutters to join a leading energy company, SSE Networks, at the forefront of maintaining critical electricity infrastructure. Based in Oxford, Yarnton, this position is fundamentally field-based, requiring a commitment to working outdoors and ensuring the safety and reliability of the energy network.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Competitive Remuneration & Incentives: The advertised salary range of £29,504 - £34,757, depending on experience, is significantly enhanced by substantial overtime and standby payment potential, offering up to an additional £8,262 annually. This structure rewards dedication and availability.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: SSE demonstrates a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, offering a wide array of benefits including private healthcare discounts, gym memberships, a free online GP, 24/7 counselling, and interest-free loans for tech and transport. Generous family entitlements further support a healthy work-life balance.
- Career Development in a Vital Sector: As part of a cyclical tree cutting programme, you’ll work within a highly skilled team, contributing directly to minimizing power cut risks and ensuring public safety. This role provides hands-on experience in a critical and evolving industry, supporting the transition to a net-zero future.
- Company-Provided Resources: You will be equipped with all necessary full PPE and tools, and importantly, have access to a company vehicle, facilitating your field-based responsibilities.
- Company Culture & Values: SSE is dedicated to fostering an open, inclusive, and safe workplace. The emphasis on safety culture is paramount, and the company actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, aiming to create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.
Key Considerations for Your Career Path:
- Location & Mobility: While the base location is Oxford, Yarnton, the role is predominantly mobile and field-based. Candidates must be willing to work from a 'home' location within approximately 30 minutes of the depot. Occasional overnight stays away from home are also a requirement, necessitating a flexible approach.
- Essential Qualifications & Experience: Proven experience in tree cutting, forestry, or arboriculture is essential. Candidates must hold relevant NPTC certificate units for chainsaw use and a qualification including NPTC UA. A current driving licence is mandatory due to travel requirements.
- Advantageous Skills: While not strictly mandatory, prior experience working with power lines and climbing techniques would be a significant advantage, allowing candidates to hit the ground running and contribute more broadly.
- Safety Focus: A high regard for safety is a core requirement. Candidates must be able to embed themselves within SSE's safety culture and adhere strictly to all guidelines.
In Summary:
This role offers a stable, full-time, permanent position within a forward-thinking organization. It is ideal for an experienced and safety-conscious individual who thrives in a field-based environment and is eager to contribute to a vital service that powers the nation. The comprehensive benefits, potential for enhanced earnings, and commitment to employee wellbeing make this a highly attractive prospect for career advancement within the energy sector.