Overhead Lines Operative

Overhead Line Operative
Location(s): Edinburgh and Borders
Salary – up to £32,350 (DOE) plus a strong benefits package and excellent career progression opportunities
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 08/06/26
SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a global leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses across Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, and the North West of England.
We operate over 4,000 km of transmission cables and overhead lines, connecting key infrastructure such as wind farms into the electricity system. This places us at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2044, a responsibility we take seriously.
Help us create a better future, quicker
Our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a safe working environment where individuals are encouraged to take pride in their role, share ideas, and take ownership of their career. We actively support development and progression, growing our talent from within.
Role
We are recruiting Overhead Line Operatives to support the maintenance of the distribution overhead line network across multiple districts. As part of this role, the candidates will receive appropriate training to carry out hazard and defect clearance activities on distribution overhead lines.
This is an operational role, playing a key part in maintaining a safe, reliable electricity network and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. You will help protect the integrity of overhead line assets supplying electricity to local homes, businesses, and communities.
All training, tools, and PPE will be provided. Once training is complete and relevant Company Authorisations are achieved, the role will focus on planned and reactive hazard and defect clearance work. Standby and overtime opportunities will be available, subject to business requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Complete training, assessments, and authorisation processes during the training period.
Carry out hazard and defect clearance on distribution overhead line assets.
Support planned and reactive overhead line maintenance in line with work instructions and safety rules.
Ensure all work is undertaken safely and in compliance with company policies and health and safety legislation.
Follow instructions from authorised supervisors and apply safe systems of work at all times.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions and varied terrain, assessing site and environmental conditions.
Use vehicles, tools, and plant safely once trained and authorised.
IT literate and competent in the use of SPEN‑issued devices (e.g. iPad, mobile phone)
Work effectively as part of a team to support safety, productivity, and service delivery.
Maintain a professional approach when working in public areas and on customer premises.
Minimum Requirements
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No previous overhead line experience required – full training provided.
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Must be able to provide evidence of suitable physical fitness
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Previous experience in a utility support role would be advantageous.
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Commitment to completing the six-month training programme.
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Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
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Full UK driving licence (HGV Class 1 desirable but not essential).
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Demonstrates knowledge of customer service principles and a commitment to positive customer engagement.
Overtime:
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Monday – Saturday (8pm–midnight): Time and a half
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Monday – Saturday (midnight–8am): Double time
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Sunday: Double time
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Overtime is not mandatory.
What’s in it for you
Alongside a competitive salary, reviewed annually, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, future security, and ability to make a positive impact – today and tomorrow. This includes a pension scheme where we double‑match your contributions up to 10%, as well as clear opportunities for career progression through ongoing training and development.
Benefits include:
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36 days annual leave
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Holiday Purchase – perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
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Share Schemes
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Payroll Giving and Charity Matched Funding
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Technology Vouchers – save more and spread the cost of your technology purchases
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Electric Vehicle Schemes – to help you transition to green/clean driving
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Cycle to Work scheme and Public Transport Season Ticket Loans
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Healthcare benefit options including: Dental Insurance, Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan and annual Health Assessments
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Life Assurance (4x salary)
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Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support
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Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more
Why SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network – connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It’s a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we’re taking it very seriously.
We’re investing >£10 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.
Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you’ll fit right in.
We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to the careers team