At a Glance
- Tasks: Deter wildlife on the airfield to ensure aviation safety using various techniques.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at RAF Benson, passionate about wildlife and aviation.
- Benefits: Flexible zero hours contract, outdoor work, and training provided.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and unique experiences in wildlife control.
- Why this job: Combine your love for the outdoors with a vital role in aviation safety.
- Qualifications: Active lifestyle, recent shooting experience, and ability to work autonomously.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about aviation and/or wildlife? Do you like to work autonomously? Are you looking for a part-time role and are you extremely flexible? If so, we are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator (AWCO) to work at our RAF Benson site on a zero hours contract basis.
Responsibilities
Wildlife, particularly birds, pose a high risk to air safety, especially during critical points of flight, take-off and landing. The purpose of the AWCO is to eliminate the presence of birds and other wildlife on the airfield, reducing the risk to all aircraft using the airfield. 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) a 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. All movements and activities are recorded in a watch log, with all lethally controlled animals dispatched under license as a last resort to preserve the safety of our aircraft.
Location
Royal Air Force Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6AA, United Kingdom
Qualifications
We are looking for 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). The role would also suit someone who is flexible, supportive, and can work autonomously for long periods. To be considered for this position, you must be:
- Colour perception safe
- Hold a valid UK manual driving licence
- Able to apply and maintain security clearance (This involves considerable financial & criminal record vetting)
Other essential requirements include:
- Reside within a maximum of a 45 minute drive from RAF Benson
- Confident working autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your vehicle and your hand-held radio for company
- Comfortable using technology, e.g. recording findings on a tablet
- Comfortable working outside in all weathers
- Ability to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises
- Ability to obtain and maintain shotgun/firearms certificate
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. Holding a shotgun and/or firearms certificates is advantageous; we will assist you to obtain these if you are successful. A keen photographer or any related shooting experience would be useful in documentation, though training will be provided.
Airfield Wildlife Control Operator in Wallingford employer: Air Partner
Contact Detail:
Air Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Airfield Wildlife Control Operator in Wallingford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Research RAF Benson and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves wildlife control, brush up on your shooting skills and be ready to discuss your experience. Show them you’re not just a paper candidate but someone who can handle the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at RAF Benson. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Airfield Wildlife Control Operator in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife and Aviation: Make sure to highlight your love for the outdoors and any relevant experience you have with wildlife or aviation. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and understand its importance in ensuring air safety.
Be Clear About Your Flexibility: Since this is a part-time role on a zero hours contract, let us know how flexible you can be with your availability. We appreciate candidates who can adapt to changing schedules and work autonomously.
Demonstrate Your Autonomy: In your application, share examples of times you've worked independently and successfully managed tasks on your own. We’re looking for someone who can thrive with minimal supervision, so show us you’ve got what it takes!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the process smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Air Partner
✨Know Your Wildlife
Familiarise yourself with the types of wildlife you might encounter at the airfield, especially birds. Understanding their behaviour and habitats will show your passion for the role and help you discuss how you would effectively manage their presence.
✨Showcase Your Autonomy
Since this role requires working independently, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked alone. Highlight your ability to make decisions on the spot and how you cope with pressure in isolated situations.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
This position is part-time and requires a flexible schedule. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to changing circumstances. Mention any previous roles where flexibility was key to your success.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face as an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as deterring wildlife or documenting your findings, to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.