Job Purpose Summary
To assist, or carry out on behalf of, Wildlife Management Team (WMT) field based operational work in relation to deer & other wildlife census work and wildlife management operational work.
Individuals will be required to work closely or independently, with the WMT field team staff to deliver helicopter and ground counts to monitor deer populations across Scotland. They will also be required to assist WMT operational staff in the event they need to discharge their statutory functions under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 (as amended), or for the control of Invasive Non-Native Species, or in the event of a disease outbreak. WMT also require assistance to discharge its authorisation functions through the Deer (Scotland) Act and wider wildlife licensing functions through carrying out site visit inspections.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
1. To assist WMT staff with the annual deer counting programme across Scotland to agreed NatureScot methodology. This may involve working in count teams independent of supervision of full time NatureScot staff. Navigating a helicopter using GPS tablets, operating a camera, recording data and data analysis will all form part of this role.
2. To carry out other forms of monitoring / census work in relation to wildlife management as directed by WMT staff.
3. Provision of high quality data to support deer management planning.
4. Have the capability to assist with any culling of deer or other species as part of regulatory action in line with the Deer (Scotland) Act taken by NatureScot WMT staff or NNR management.
5. To comply with NatureScot Health & Safety requirements, training requirements and policies.
Essential Role Requirements
6. An extensive understanding of all aspects of practical wildlife management
7. Specific knowledge on all aspects of deer management in a Scottish context including legalities contained within Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 as amended, technical & practical expertise and team working.
8. Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders including estate owners, farmers, managers, stalkers and game keepers along with other agency staff.
9. Valid Firearm Certificate with red deer legal calibre(s)
10. Deer Stalking Certificates - Levels 1 & 2 or equivalent
11. Registered on the NatureScot’s Fit and Competent Register
12. ATV training certificates, Quad and Argo
13. Manual handling training qualifications and First Aid at work qualification
14. An annual shooting test must be undertaken in line with NatureScot firearms guidance
15. Full UK drivers license including category BE
Specific Role Requirements
Essential Skills and Experience: (Please refer to these in your Supporting Statement)
16. Full competency in identifying deer species, including precise age and sex classification.
17. Extensive experience with Scottish upland estates and a deep understanding of deer behaviour within these specific landscapes.
18. Physically fit with excellent distance vision; must be comfortable flying (no motion sickness or fear of heights) to facilitate aerial surveys.
19. Proven ability to work independently and lead field teams in collecting high-stakes data for deer management decision-making.
20. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, from estate owners and ground staff to NGO representatives.
21. Ability to follow strict protocols and maintain high levels of accuracy while working under pressure in time-sensitive environments.
22. Highly skilled in data processing and analysis, including the professional use of Microsoft Excel and photo-editing software.
23. Proficient in the operation of digital SLR cameras and the use of GPS/tablet technology for precise field data recording.
24. Expert understanding of operational safety and survival in remote, mountainous environments and adverse weather conditions.
25. Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including frequent overnight stays away from home.