Airfield Wildlife Control Operator

We are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator to join our RAF Brize Norton site on a zero hours contract. If you live close, are extremely flexible, have a driving licence and are not afraid of lone working and shifts, this may be the role for you. 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. 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. Brize Norton operates on a 24/7 basis so cover might include weekends and bank holidays. Shifts you may be asked to cover will normally be either days 08:00 – 18:00 (10 hours including a one-hour unpaid break) or nights 18:00 – 08:00 (14 hours including 1.5 hours unpaid break per shift). A night shift will involve you being on call through the hours of darkness and conducting a sweep of the airfield every 2 hours. Shifts usually come in blocks of 2, meaning you might be asked to cover 2 x 10 hr day shifts or 2 x 14 hr night shifts. Pay rate is £12.60 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. 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 MAUAL UK driving licence and be able to apply for and maintain security clearance – this involves considerable financial and criminal record vetting. You will also:

• Live within a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from RAF Brize Norton (essential)
• 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 WhatsApp 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

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. 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.).