We are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator to join our Lossiemouth airfield site on a zero hours contract. If you live close, are extremely flexible, have a manual driving licence and are not afraid of lone working and shifts, this may be the role for you. If you like aircraft, and/or wildlife, even better! Please note that there may be extra shifts from time to time at Inverness airport, so living in close proximity to both sites would be preferred.
This vacancy is to cover leave and sickness, so hours can vary considerably from month to month. Some weeks there will be higher output, some will be zero output. You will be paid each month for the hours worked in that month. You will receive a rota at least a month in advance to allow you to plan, although there may also be other ad hoc emergencies that we contact you about covering too, hence why flexibility is key. On a zero hours contract, you are not obliged to cover last minute requests however if you are unable to do so, but if you are flexible this is ideal.
Due to the nature of this contract, the role would suit someone who is financially secure or someone who has a second source of income that is completely flexible and can fit in around our needs. Maybe you are retired but want to work now and again for example.
Lossiemouth generally operates 24/7 and shifts will usually be either between 06:45 and 16:45 or 16:45 and 06:45 and can be any week day, including weekends and holidays.
Pay rate is £12 per hour.
About the role
Wildlife, particularly birds, pose a high risk to air safety, especially during critical points of flight, take-off and landing. The purpose of the Airfield Wildlife Control Operator (AWCO) is to eliminate the presence of birds and other wildlife on the airfield, reducing the risk to all aircraft. Wildlife is naturally attracted to the airfield due to several factors, the primary being the abundance of food.
Equipped with a 4x4 vehicle, bioacoustics, pyrotechnics and (when all else fails) an air rifle or shotgun, you will deter the wildlife from settling on the airfield and encourage all bird populations to stay well clear. The entire operation is carried out within the strict guidelines of Natural England, the Police and Local Airfield Management.
You will record all movements and activities in a digital watch log, with all lethally controlled animals dispatched under licence as a last resort to preserve the safety of aircraft.
What we are looking for:
To be considered for this position, you must be colour perception safe, hold a valid manual UK driving licence and be able to apply for and maintain security clearance – this involves considerable financial and criminal record vetting. You will also:
1. Live within a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from Lossiemouth (essential) and ideally also from Inverness
2. Be happy to work autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your vehicle and your hand-held radio for company
3. Be fine to use technology – a tablet – in order to record findings and WhatsApp to communicate with your team members – or a willingness to learn
4. Be OK with working outside in all weathers
5. Have an ability to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises
6. Good attention to detail
7. Previous radio experience desirable
Shooting experience would be an advantage, but all training will be provided if not. You will need to be comfortable with the possibility of dispatching wildlife as a last resort however.
If you hold a shotgun and/or firearms certificate that would be a huge advantage, but we will assist you to obtain these if you are successful – you must however be able to obtain and maintain such certificates.
This role would suit someone who is fairly active outside of work, likes their own company, is flexible and supportive with a team ethos and who has recent shooting experience (from game keeping, pest control, clay/pigeon shooting, military service etc.). An interest in aircraft and wildlife would also be an advantage.
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