Airfield Wildlife Control Operator

Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about aviation and/ or wildlife? Do you like to work autonomously? Are you looking for a part time role and are you extremely flexible? If so, look no further, as we are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator (AWCO) to work at our RAF Northolt site.

**Job Type**: Zero hours contract, which means you will cover for sickness and annual leave, so shifts will vary and you will be paid each month for hours worked. These hours will vary considerably from month to month, so the role would only suit someone who has a 2nd income from another flexible role, or someone who is financially stable and is just looking for some part time work in this type of role.

**Salary**: 11.95 per hour

**Shifts**: Rotating earlies (07:00 - 16:15) and lates (15:45 - 01:00). You will receive a rota at least a month in advice to allow you to plan, so this role would suit someone who is flexible and OK to undertake the shift pattern outlined.

**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.

**What we are looking for**:

- Live within a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from RAF Northolt (essential)
- 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

If you are a keen photographer, this is also an advantage as it could be useful in documentation.
- Shooting experience would be an advantage, but all training will be provided. You will need to be comfortable with the possibility of dispatching wildlife as last resort however
- If you hold a shotgun and/ or firearms certificates that would be a huge advantage, but we will assist you to obtain these if you are successful - you must however be able to obtain and maintain such licenses

This role would suit someone who is fairly active outside of work, likes their own company, is flexible and supportive with a team ethos and who has recent shooting experience (from game keeping, pest control, clay / pigeon shooting, military service etc.).

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £11.95 per hour

Application question(s):

- Are you happy with the fact this is a zero hours contract, are you flexible enough to work this kind of ad hoc role, and are you financially stable?
- Have you ever had any issues with colour blindness?
- Do you have the permanent right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship?
- This is a 0 hour contract with an hourly rate of £11.95 per hour, is this okay for you?
- Do you live less than a 45 minute drive from RAF Northolt?
- Do you see any issue with obtaining and maintaining security clearance and gun licenses (with our help)? This will involve considerable criminal and financial vetting.
- Do you have a notice period with another employer? If so, how long? Or are you immediately available?

**Experience**:

- Shooting: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Shotgun licence (preferred)
- Firearms license (preferred)
- UK Manual Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person