1001-304 Operations Support - Goose counter x 3 - B grade - October 2024

1. The post holder will be responsible for carrying out goose counts on Islay, following a standardised methodology, as part of the monitoring programme for the Islay Local Goose Management Scheme. 2. The post holders will work closely with area staff to monitor the population of geese on Islay and will work as part of a team to cover the full distribution of geese on the island. 3. The post holders may also be required to carry out additional monitoring work relating to the Islay Local Goose Management Scheme. 4. Accurate recording of data gathered during fieldwork. 5. Communication with team members, farming community and general public. 6. Competent use of 4WD vehicle and optical equipment. 7. Written and verbal communication skills. 8. Understanding of health and safety policies and procedures relevant to this role, and the quality outputs and standards required., 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.

Working as part of a small team to carry out goose monitoring on the Isle of Islay, this role is primarily field based involving following a set route and recording numbers and locations of geese as per a standard methodology. The posts are zero hours and seasonal. As an indication a maximum of 25 days would be available between October and April in any given season. Successful candidates will have a flexible approach and outlook and will have good interpersonal skills that contribute to collaborative/team working., 1. Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and travel in vehicles over uneven terrain 2. Excellent communication skills 3. Practical approach to tasks and ability to use initiative 4. Flexible approach and outlook 5. Reasonable level of physical fitness for walking short distances over rough terrain and handling farm gates 6. Off road driving experience, principally rural roads and farm tracks. 7. Previous experience of conducting bird surveys including map reading and use of optical equipment 8. Understanding of agriculture and goose management on Islay and familiarity with the local area Prerequisites Required

• Applicants 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.
• Full driving licence
  
  NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details.