At a Glance
- Tasks: Help protect wildlife by controlling invasive species in beautiful outdoor settings.
- Company: Join NatureScot, a leader in environmental conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Scotland.
- Qualifications: Experience in wildlife management and a valid driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30076 - 30076 ÂŁ per year.
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
- 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.
- A valid driving licence, or be able to call upon suitable alternative means of transport.
- Physical fitness for working in rough terrain and inclement weather conditions.
- Effective time management and communication skills.
- Knowledge of the local area and its natural history.
- Experience of working in an Invasive NonâNative 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 â what we offer you
- 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.
HMP Project Support in London employer: NatureScot
Contact Detail:
NatureScot Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land HMP Project Support in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local area and its wildlife! Familiarise yourself with the habitats and species youâll be working with. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people already working in wildlife management or similar fields. They can provide insights and might even give you a heads-up about job openings. Plus, itâs always good to have connections!
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves outdoor work and using traps, practice your skills beforehand. Being able to demonstrate your hands-on experience can really set you apart from other candidates.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, youâll find all the details you need about the role and our awesome benefits package there!
We think you need these skills to ace HMP Project Support in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with wildlife management and trapping. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so donât hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Show Your Passion for Nature: Let us know why youâre passionate about wildlife conservation and the specific project at hand. A genuine interest in eradicating invasive species like the American mink will definitely catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at NatureScot
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your wildlife management knowledge, especially regarding invasive species like the American mink. Familiarise yourself with trapping techniques and the local ecosystem of the Outer Hebrides. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you genuinely care about the environment.
â¨Get Fit for the Interview
Since the role involves walking long distances over rough terrain, itâs a good idea to demonstrate your physical fitness. Maybe take a hike or two before the interview and mention your outdoor activities. This shows youâre prepared for the demands of the job and can handle the physical aspects.
â¨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when dealing with the public and officials. Practice explaining your past experiences in wildlife management clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare some examples of how you've successfully communicated in challenging situations.
â¨Show Your Local Knowledge
Having a good understanding of the local area and its natural history can set you apart from other candidates. Research the specific habitats and species in the Uists, and be ready to discuss how this knowledge can help in your role. Itâll show that youâre not just looking for any job, but that youâre committed to making a difference in your community.