HMP Project Support

Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2027

Job Purpose Summary

To carry out control of mink in support of a project set up and funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. The project aims to eradicate American mink (Neovision vision) from the Outer Hebrides. To trap and humanely despatch American Mink (also rats and potentially ferrets) on the Isles of Lewis and Harris using both “Breakback” (kill) and live capture cage traps.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Control mink by trapping in the Uists, Western Isles
• Record contacts with officials and the public, in relation to this work
• Maintain accurate records of mink trapping operations
• Maintain a high level of personal responsibility in dealing sensitively and humanely with control operations

Finally, please note that the nature of this role can involve walking over moorland of between 8-20 kilometres per day.

Skills

• Experience of wildlife management, using Live Capture and Kill Traps and outdoor work.
• As travelling is an integral part of the job, you must have a valid driving licence, or be able to call upon suitable alternative means of transport.
• As this role will involve working in rough terrain and inclement weather conditions the post holder must have an element of physical fitness.
• Effective time management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the local area and its natural history.
• Experience of working in an Invasive Non‑Native Species (INNS) eradication Project.
• Boat handling skills.
• Experience of dealing with the general public.
• Experience of working with firearms.
• Experience of using working dogs.

Prerequisites Required

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract.
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer you

NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes:

• An environment with flexible working options
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions)
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
• Death in service benefits
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to an employee discounts scheme
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Closing date: Midnight 3 May 2026.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.

Equality and Diversity

Nature is vital to all of us, so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is, the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.