Grey Squirrel Control Officer – Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

Grey Squirrel Control Officer – Dumfries and Galloway

Dalbeattie, with anticipated flexible working throughout South West Scotland
Full time (35 hrs/week), Fixed term (until 31st March 2028)

The Role

The Grey Squirrel Control Officer will contribute to a programme of targeted grey squirrel control to protect key populations of Scotland’s red squirrels, in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels plan to protect red squirrels in priority landscapes in South West Scotland. This role requires an individual with experience in mammal control work that enjoys working outdoors, who is approachable and enjoys interacting with people.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Delivering grey squirrel control, including supporting grey squirrel control volunteers and Red Squirrel Networks in the SSRS Priority Areas for Red squirrel Conservation. The role covers the South West of Scotland with the main areas of responsibility being Dumfries town and surrounding area, including local Priority Areas for Red squirrel Conservation.

Specifically this includes:

1. Carrying out targeted and strategic grey squirrel control in agreed areas according to the SSRS project’s Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Working collaboratively with other Grey Squirrel Control Officers, area volunteer group(s) and external organisations. This includes assisting with training new volunteers to take on the roles of monitoring and control activities.
3. Provide opportunities for new trainees to work with you on your trap-rounds to ensure they are capable of working to SSRS standards on private or publicly-held land and understand the principles of trapping for grey squirrel management.
4. Where required, carry out monitoring to assess squirrel presence e.g. feederbox camera traps
5. Work with the Lead Control Officer to deliver training sessions, where required, to new SSRS staff, volunteers and/or land managers in all aspects of best practice grey squirrel control, Rapid Response Monitoring and Squirrel Pox Sampling techniques.
6. Assist the SSRS Lead Control Officer and SSRS Communications Officer, as needed, in responding to enquiries from the public regarding grey squirrel control for red squirrel conservation.

The successful candidate will:

The successful candidate will possess an SVQ/NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Game and Wildlife Management or related discipline or relevant experience of game keeping, invasive/non-native mammal control or pest control. A good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation would also be desirable as would the ability to keep and maintain accurate records in Word and Excel.

Relevant previous experience is essential, together with experience working with landowners, gamekeepers, foresters and the public. A knowledge of forest and native tree species and familiarity with the Dumfries area would be advantageous.

There may occasionally be a requirement to work out of normal working hours.

You must possess a full clean driving licence.

For further details, please download the role description and person specification via the link below.

Closing date: Sunday 7th June
Interview date: Thursday 18th June

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.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by project partners and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.