Seasonal Grey Squirrel Officer – Strathearn

Seasonal Grey Squirrel Officer – Strathearn

Status: 35 hours – Full Time, Fixed term (5 months)

Salary: £19,838 pro rata per annum

Location: Location flexible within western Tayside i.e. Comrie – Methven area

Closing date: Rolling deadline

About us:

For over 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and
supporters in pursuit of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas for the
benefit of people and wildlife. The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through
policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and
innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and
engagement activities.

The Role:

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a project to deliver the essential protection
measures required to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland and to ensure
that systems are put in place to continue the delivery of these measures over the long term by
working with other agencies with a stake in native species conservation and invasive non-native
species management. SSRS focuses upon one of our most charismatic and well-loved mammals – the
red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). Once widespread, red squirrels have undergone a catastrophic
population decline primarily due to competition from the non-native invasive, American grey
squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). There is now only c.160,000 red squirrels remaining in the UK
of which 120,000 occur in Scotland – 75% of the remaining UK red squirrel population. Saving
Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) was formed to reverse this decline and create the conditions
for this mammal to thrive in future.

As part of this programme we are looking for a self-starter with a love of outdoor working who
is experienced in mammal control work and enjoys interacting with people, to fill a Grey
Squirrel Officer post. The post will contribute to the project’s co-ordinated landscape-scale
approach to reduce grey squirrel numbers in the target area of East Angus, thus preventing grey
squirrel dispersal into southern Aberdeenshire.

The successful candidate will:

• Possess an SVQ/NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in Game and Wildlife Management or
  related discipline or relevant experience of game keeping, invasive/non-native mammal or pest
  control
• Have a good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation.
• Have the ability to keep accurate records in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in relevant trapping with experience of working with foresters, game keepers,
  landowners/managers and members of the public.
• Have the ability to identify tree species and familiarity with the local area would be
  advantageous.

The purpose of this role is to contribute to the implementation of a programme of targeted grey
squirrel control to prevent grey squirrel incursion into Scotland’s core “red-only” squirrel
populations in highland Scotland in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project
plan.

Some out of normal hours working will be required and you must possess a full clean driving
licence.

HOW TO APPLY:

Download full role description here!

To apply, please complete an application
form and submit to [email protected]

What we offer:

• Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to work & Pension schemes;
• We have always been hugely flexible in our approach to how you wish to work and continue to
  offer a flexible approach.
• Hybrid-Working
• 1 Wellness hour per week
• Enhanced Pension rate upon completion of probation
• Sick Pay Allowance
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity Leave
• Training and Development

If you would like more information, please phone 0131312 4718 or email
[email protected]

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and
inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome
individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.