Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location HELSTON; RNAS Culdrose About the job Job summary RNAS Culdrose is a busy Military aerodrome, with a significant number of aircraft movements each year. The aim of Aerodrome Bird and Wildlife Control in the Royal Navy is to ensure that when flying operations are in progress the risks associated with wildlife/bird activity on the airfield are as low as reasonably practical. The consequences of wildlife strikes can be significant, resulting in the loss of aircraft and, more importantly, personnel, hence the need to maintain a continuous deterrent programme over the airfield and its approaches to minimise this strike hazard. Due to the nature of the role and rota of husbandry work required, this position is not suitable for part-time. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job description The role of the Airfield Wildlife Control Officer (AWCO) is to maintain a continuous bird deterrent programme over the airfield and its approaches thus minimising the bird strike hazard to aircraft. The successful candidate will be accountable to the Airfield Wildlife Control Supervisor (AWCS) for carrying out airfield rounds, the safe employment of bird/wildlife deterrents, the training and flying of falcons for bird control duties and the care and daily inspection of these falcons. In carrying out these duties they are responsible for ensuring the safe correct usage/stowage of firearms and pyrotechnics on the airfield and surrounding area. The work routine is based upon airfield operating hours including weekends and public holidays. As a guide, amongst others, the AWCO would be expected to carry out the following tasks: Informing Air Traffic Control (ATC) whenever AWC activities are taking place on or in the vicinity of the airfield and whenever bird concentration is evident. The safe correct usage/stowage of firearms and pyrotechnics on the airfield and surrounds. Operate in compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act Regulations Licence (Class) to manage wildlife to preserve safety. Carry out AWCU tasks on the airfield, conducting airfield rounds as frequently as the current wildlife threat dictates. Monitor and report on the condition of the airfield habitat. Carry out additional tasks as directed by the Duty Air Traffic Control Officer. (e.g. removing foreign objects from the airfield, re-briefing offending drivers on the airfield, escort duties, forwarding information when necessary etc). The care and inspection of the AWCU vehicle in accordance with Motor Transport (MT) Orders and Instructions. Maintain entries in the Daily Log, bird count proforma, falcon and ammunition log. The cleanliness, fire prevention and the security of the AWCU office block, unit surrounds / buildings and vehicle on completion of final shift. Compliance with Health and Safety regulations. Giving detailed briefs and presentations on Bird/Wildlife Control as directed by the AWCS. Assist in the care and wellbeing of the Falcons throughout the week, including weekends and Public Holidays. Note: When working with birds you can expect some minor cuts, scratches and bites. Assist in the training and flying falcons for bird control. Undertake site visits to RNAS Predannack as required. Person specification Essential: Experience Wildlife and Habitat Management knowledge. General Proficient writing and numerical skills for collating and up-dating various bird/wildlife control logs. Good communication skills both directly and on telephone/radio. Able/willing to cull/dispatch wildlife humanely (pest species) with lethal control methods. Able/willing to deal with all aspects of looking after and training a bird of prey including feeding, cleaning and food preparation involving some butchery of chickens, quail and rabbits. Training period is usually 2-6 weeks depending on individual birds and will involve taking the bird into your home environment for the initial 2-4 week period. Training boxes for transportation/housing are provided. Willing to work shifts as part of a rota. Flexibility in taking breaks according to the flying programme requirements. Able/willing to lone work. Languages The ability to converse clearly in accurate spoken English is essential for this post as transmission of communications over frequency is a critical element of this role as an airfield user. Colour Perception The successful post holder is required to meet the medical colour perception requirements of CP2 or CP3 defective. Desirable: In depth knowledge of all methods of bird/wildlife control including the use of falcons. A sound knowledge of bird/wildlife control on airfields. A solid understanding of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Knowledge of training and flying of falcons for bird control. Knowledge of the relevant regulations (DEFRA) concerning the breeding, licensing, and sale of falcons. Falconry/raptor experience, for the training and flying of falcons. Competent in falcon management/husbandry. Bird/wildlife recognition (training will be given). Knowledge of the movement of local and seasonal visiting birds that may be a hazard to aircraft in the local vicinity of the airfield. Proficient in the use and conversant with all safety regulations concerning the use of AWCU weapons (12 bore shotgun, Verey Pistol and air rifle) on the airfield and surrounds. Conversant with the day-to-day operation of a civilian / military airfield. A MOD issued laptop is provided and you will need to use a variety of IT applications in the course of your administration duties. Familiarity is beneficial however a willingness to learn to upskill is requir ed and training will be provided on site. Additional training in the form of airfield, vehicle and frequency communications will be provided in the course of your duties. There is a requirement to attend a 3 day basic course at Birdstrike Management Limited which will need to be completed within 2-4 months of joining the team. Departmental travel and subsistence for expenses will be authorised. All other Civil Service and aviation environment mandatory courses and training are done at Culdrose. Owing to the specific training period this role requires, the probation period for conduct, attendance and performance will last for 12 months. Licences Applicants must hold a current manual UK Cat B drivers' license. The ability to drive is essential to this role as there is a requirement to travel between sites on public roads in addition to daily driving on and off the airfield in MOD vehicles, in all weather and throughout the year. Applicants must either hold a shotgun/firearms licence or be eligible to hold a licence if successful. (The Police, who are the licensing authority, will conduct a number of checks, which will include criminal records checks. In addition, the applicants GP will be contacted.) Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Role related simulation exercise. Benefits Alongside your salary of £25,180, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,294 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. As a Civil Servant, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies,excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Further Benefits offered: Generous Pension Scheme with employer contribution of 28.97% 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years' service. Learning and development tailored to your role. Further personal & professional development opportunities. Access to a confidential, professional support service. Discount schemes. Bicycle / season ticket loans. Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year. On-site Facilities (gymnasium, cafe, messing facilities etc). Free and Secure Car Parking. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. The post does not offer relocation expenses. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post. Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours: Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience. Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (Max 500 words) Making Effective Decisions Communicating & Influencing Managing a Quality Service At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours/Technical Skills: Making Effective Decisions Communicating & Influencing Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace A role related Simulation Exercise The sift will be undertaken as soon as possible after the closing date, with interviews thereafter. There will be no system updates available 19 Dec - 06 January 2025 when the department is closed over the Christmas / New Year Period. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Medical Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Shonna Thompson Email : Shonna.Thompson655mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: infocsc.gov.uk. Attachments Candidate Information updated Opens in new window (docx, 31kB) EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB) 22_0656 NAVY Applicant guide A4 - Digital Opens in new window (pdf, 2922kB) Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail