Airfield Wildlife Control Operator

We are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator to join our RAF Brize Norton site. If you are flexible, have a driving licence and are not afraid of lone working and shifts, this may be the role for you. If you like aircraft, even better

**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.

This position is offered on a shift basis of either days 08:00 - 18:00 (10 hours including a one-hour break) or nights 18:00 - 08:00 (14 hours including 1.5 hours break per shift) - although night shifts are very quiet. A night shift will involve you being on call through the hours of darkness and conducting a sweep of the airfield every 2 hours. Working hours will be 43 per week. You would normally do 2 days, followed by 2 nights followed by rest then 3 days off.

Hourly rate is £9.90. 25 shifts holiday per year, inclusive of bank holidays due to the shift pattern 4 on 4 off.

**What we are looking for**:

- **Live within a maximum of 45 minutes’ drive from RAF Brize Norton (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 certaificates.

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**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £9.50 per hour

Application question(s):

- Do you live less than a 45 minute drive from RAF Brize Norton?
- Have you ever had any issues with colour blindness?
- Do you see any issue with gaining security clearance? This will involve criminal and financial background checks?
- Are you happy with the shift patterns and the hourly rate mentioned in this advert?

**Experience**:

- shooting: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- full manual UK driving license (required)
- shotgun certificate (preferred)
- firearms certificate (preferred)

Work authorisation:

- United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: One location