Grey Squirrel Control Officer – Dumfries and Galloway
£25,095 per annum
Dalbeattie, with anticipated flexible working throughout South West Scotland
Full time (35 hrs/week), Fixed term (until 31st March 2028)
Closing date: 7th June 2026
Interview: It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 18th June 2026
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 who enjoys working outdoors, 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
* Carrying out targeted and strategic grey squirrel control in agreed areas according to the SSRS project’s Standard Operating Procedures.
* 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.
* 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.
* Where required, carry out monitoring to assess squirrel presence e.g. feederbox camera traps.
* 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.
* 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
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.
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