We are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator to join our Inverness Airport site on a zero hours contract. If you live close, are extremely flexible, have a manual driving licence and are not afraid of lone working and shifts, this may be the role for you. If you like aircraft, and /or wildlife, even better! Please note that there may be extra shifts from time to time at our Lossiemouth site, so living in close proximity to both sites would be preferred.
This vacancy is to cover leave and sickness, so hours can vary considerably from month to month. Some weeks there will be higher output, some will be zero output. You will be paid each month for the hours worked in that month. You will receive a rota at least a month in advance to allow you to plan, although there may also be other ad hoc emergencies that we contact you about covering too, hence why flexibility is key. On a zero hours contract, you are not obliged to cover last minute requests however if you are unable to do so, but if you are flexible this is ideal.
Due to the nature of this contract, the role would suit someone who is financially secure or someone who has a 2nd source of income that is completely flexible and can fit in around our needs. Maybe you are retired but want to work now and again for example.
Inverness generally operates between the hours of 06:00 and 22:30, although at times you will need to work over this to allow for late departures, for which overtime will e paid. Shifts will usually be either 06:00 - 14:00 or 14:00 - 22:30 (with occasional late departures) and can be any week day, including weekends and holidays.
Pay rate is £12 per hour.
About the role
Wildlife, particularly birds, pose a high risk to air safety, especially during critical points of flight, take-off and landing. The purpose of the Airfield Wildlife Control Operator (AWCO) is to eliminate the presence of birds and other wildlife on the airfield, reducing the risk to all aircraft. 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) an air rifle or 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.
You will record all movements and activities in a digital watch log, with all lethally controlled animals dispatched under licence as a last resort to preserve the safety of aircraft.

To be considered for this position, you must be colour perception safe, hold a valid MAUAL UK driving licence and be able to apply for and maintain security clearance - this involves considerable financial and criminal record vetting. You will also:
- Live within a maximum of 45 minutes' drive from Inverness Airport (essential) and ideally also from Lossiemouth
- Be happy to work autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your vehicle and your hand-held radio for company
- Be fine to use technology - a tablet - in order to record findings and Wats App to communicate with your team members - or a willingness to learn
- Be OK with working outside in all weathers
- Have an ability to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises
- Good attention to detail
- Previous radio experience desirable
Shooting experience would be an advantage, but all training will be provided if not. You will need to be comfortable with the possibility of dispatching wildlife as last resort however