At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect red squirrels by managing grey squirrel populations in beautiful outdoor settings.
- Company: Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust, a passionate employer dedicated to conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellness hours, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while working in stunning locations.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field and experience in wildlife management required.
The predicted salary is between 25095 - 25095 £ per year.
Salary: £25,095 per annum
Location: National Park Headquarters, Balloch, with anticipated flexible working throughout the region of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirlingshire
Status: Full time / Fixed term, until 31st March 2028
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 19th August, midnight
Interviews will be held on: Thursday 27th August
The Role: The Stirlingshire Monitoring and Control Officer (MCO) will contribute to the protection of the Highland Line (HL), a coast-to-coast control zone which aims to prevent grey squirrels from moving north from Central Scotland into the red strongholds of the Highlands and Grampians. Progressed through a programme of targeted grey squirrel monitoring and control, you’ll help support the protection and expansion of red squirrel populations in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels strategy. This role requires an approachable individual with experience in mammal control work that enjoys working outdoors and interacting with people.
Main objectives:
- Delivering responsive and strategic grey squirrel control in the region primarily from the shores and islands of Loch Lomond, heading east to Callander and the Teith Valley to Doune;
- Develop regional Rapid Response Monitoring networks in the region;
- Recruit and train volunteers and external partners in grey squirrel control and monitoring;
- Build relations with local landowners and stakeholders;
- Support the Argyll and West Dumbartonshire MCO with removal of grey squirrels from the Loch Lomond islands.
This includes:
- Carry out responsive and strategic grey squirrel control through trapping in priority areas
- Plan and support the development and expansion of a regional Rapid Response Monitoring (RRM) networks
- Assist with recruiting and provide appropriate training to volunteers and external partners in grey squirrel control, monitoring and detection methods
- Where required, carry out Operational Monitoring (OM) to assess squirrel presence e.g. feeder boxes and/or camera traps
- Monitor the spread of the squirrel pox virus through the Central Lowlands by carrying out trapping and testing in sampling survey squares
- Collect and maintain records on monitoring and trapping efforts using Excel, ArcGIS and the SSRS Hub (database) and contribute to reporting on project performance.
- Encourage interest in local red squirrel conservation with relevant local communities, landowners and stakeholders through media and events
- Support the Argyll and West Dumbartonshire MCO with the removal of grey squirrels from the Loch Lomond Islands through trapping and targeted shooting
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, countryside management or related discipline.
- A minimum two years’ experience in a relevant field, including practical wildlife management/ invasive non-native species control.
- Experience in collecting, maintaining and reporting standardised ecological data.
- Experience of working with landowners, gamekeepers, foresters and the public.
- Experience recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to undertake active conservation work.
- A good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation.
- Knowledge of native tree species and familiarity with the Trossachs and Stirlingshire area (advantageous).
- willingness to occasionally work out of normal working hours.
- A full clean driving licence.
- Possess, or be willing and eligible to obtain, a Firearms licence.
If you would like more information, please email recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.
Benefits:
- Flexi time/hybrid working
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and pension schemes
- Weekly wellness hour
- Generous Sick pay allowance
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Training and Development focus
Monitoring and Control Officer - Stirlingshire (SSRS) in Balloch employer: Scottish Wildlife Trust
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on conservation in North East Scotland. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to engage with local communities, you will find a rewarding environment that values your contributions and fosters personal growth. Join us in protecting and restoring vital habitats while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and passionate team.
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We think this is how you could land Monitoring and Control Officer - Stirlingshire (SSRS) in Balloch
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We think you need these skills to ace Monitoring and Control Officer - Stirlingshire (SSRS) in Balloch
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