Airfield Wildlife Control Operator

We are looking for a part time Airfield Wildlife Control Operator to work on a zero hours
contract, covering odd shifts as required at both our Inverness and Lossiemouth sites.
This is a zero hours contract on a pay as you go basis, to cover pre-planned holiday,
sickness and ad-hoc absences when you are available.

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.

How does this work?

We will contact you when we have shifts that need to be covered and you can advise
if you are available to cover these. You will cover for annual leave and sickness. For
holiday cover you will likely have a rota in advance to allow you to plan, but there
maybe also sometimes we contact you for urgent illness cover, so the role requires
someone who is able to be fully flexible.

Pay
Rate of pay is £11.48 per hour and as mentioned, you will be paid for the shifts you do
each month, so what you earn will vary from month to month.

Site shifts you may be called to cover
Lossiemouth operates 24/7 and shifts are usually 2 days (06:45-16:45) and 2 nights
(16:45-06:45).
Inverness Airfield opening hours are 06:00 - 22:15hrs / 364 days per year (Closed
Christmas Day).
Shifts are 4 on 2 off consisting of earlies and lates, Early shifts are 06:00-14:00 and
late shifts are 14:00-22:15. When on late shift and to support operations, the late shift
may occasional run over for an airport extension. In such instances, overtime will be
paid.

To be considered for this position, you must be colour perception safe, hold a
valid manual UK driving licence and be able to apply and maintain security
clearance – this involves considerable financial and criminal record vetting. You will
also:

• 
  Live within a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from BOTH Inverness and Lossiemouth

Airfields (essential)

• Be fully flexible and be financially stable or have an income from a 2nd role that

allows the flexibility we need for this kind of contract

• Be happy to work autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your

vehicle and your hand-held radio for company

• Be fine to use technology – a tablet in order to record findings and Wats App to

communicate with your team members – or a willingness to learn

• Be OK with working outside in all weathers
• Have an ability to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises

If you are a keen photographer, this is also an advantage as it could be useful in
documentation.

• Shooting experience would be an advantage, but all training will be provided. 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 certificates 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 if you have recent
shooting experience (from game keeping, pest control, clay / pigeon shooting,
military service etc.) even better!