Monitoring & Control Officer

**Status**:35 hours - Full Time, Fixed term until 31 March 2026

**Field location**:Argyll, Trossachs & Stirlingshire

**Office location**: Balloch, with anticipated flexible working throughout the region

**Application deadline is 23:59 on 21/03/24 with interviews to be held week commencing 25/03.**

**The Role**:
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a project to deliver the essential protection measures required to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland and to ensure that systems are put in place to continue the delivery of these measures over the long term by working with other agencies with a stake in native species conservation and invasive non-native species management.

As part of this programme we are looking for a self-starter with a love of outdoor working who is experienced in mammal control work and enjoys interacting with people, to fill a Monitoring and Control officer post.

The Monitoring & Control Officer will contribute to the implementation of a programme of strategic monitoring and targeted grey squirrel control in the Highland Line priority landscape across the Argyll, Trossachs and Stirlingshire regions, in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project plan.

Primary responsibilities include protecting regional red squirrels from replacement by grey squirrels through targeted grey squirrel control, recruiting, training and supporting a network of volunteers to conduct rapid response and operational monitoring to detect squirrel presence and carry out grey squirrel control where grey squirrels are present or detected in order to halt any further incursion of grey squirrels towards the core red only Highland population, and work closely with the SSRS partners and Highland Line Conservation Lead to coordinate and deliver the Loch Lomond island eradication efforts
- An SVQ/NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in Game and Wildlife Management or related discipline **or** relevant experience of game keeping, invasive/non-native mammal or pest control
- Minimum two years’ experience in a relevant field, including practical wildlife management/ invasive non-native species control, preferably including humane dispatch of animals. Training will be provided.
- Experience of working with, and able to communicate with, landowners, householders and members of the public.
- Experience of working with countryside rangers, landowners, estate staff and gamekeepers or similar
- Experienced in undertaking standardised wildlife surveys and understanding of scientific method.
- Experience of collecting, maintaining and reporting standardised ecological data.

Some out of normal hours working will be required and you must possess a full clean driving licence.
- The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences._

For nearly 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of around 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.

**Scottish Wildlife Trust**
Harbourside House
110 Commercial Street
Edinburgh
EH6 6NF