Mink Control Officer

Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Flexibility in how worked but will include some out of hours and weekend working.
Type of contract: Fixed Term until 30 June 2027
Based at: The Lodge, Littlemore, Oxford with travel to field sites required. Hybrid working available.
Please note, from 1st April 2026 our office will be based at Compass House, Farmoor Court, Farmoor, OX2 9LU
Croner rank: 6

Job Purpose

To continue the momentum of our mink control work across the 3 counties over the past 2 years, focusing on engaging landowners and volunteers to trap and dispatch mink using mink rafts set up with traps and remote monitoring alarm units. The Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Mammal Team to monitor the impact on local water vole populations.

Reporting Line

The post holder reports to the Mammal Team Project Manager.

Line Management

This role has no line management responsibilities.

Key Tasks

• Co-ordinating, expanding and helping deliver a programme of mink control across the 3 counties, undertaking monitoring, trapping and dispatch of mink as required
• Developing and maintaining relationships with landowners and local partners to deliver mink control
• Training landowners and volunteers to use mink rafts, trap and humanely dispatch mink
• Monitoring trap alarm units on-line and troubleshooting units with errors
• Collating data on mink trapping for analysis and reporting, including use of GIS and collection of mink carcasses
• Providing talks, interviews and written articles to help promote the aims of the project
• Assisting the Mammal Team with water vole surveys to monitor the impact of mink control
• Any other duties as delegated by the Chief Executive, Director or Line Manager

Person Specification

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with landowners and project partners
• Skilled in mammal trapping, handling and species control
• Ability to rapidly learn new technology and software
• Willingness to use an air weapon to dispatch mink when required
• Good knowledge of riparian mammal identification
• Ability to share knowledge and deliver training sessions
• Ability and willingness to demonstrate the BBOWT behaviours and values
• A full, valid UK driving licence, or eligibility for funding via Access to Work for a support worker driver

Measurements Of Success

• Positive landowner, volunteer and project partner engagement
• Deployment and management of mink rafts across the 3 counties

This post will be DBS checked at basic level. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. BBOWT will not unfairly discriminate on the basis of criminal convictions. BBOWT’s policy regarding this matter and the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice are available on request.