Jobs in Lomond, West Dunbartonshire

The Stirlingshire Monitoring and Control Officer (MCO) will contribute to the protection of the Highland Line (HL), a coast-to-coast control zone which aims to prevent grey squirrels from moving north from Central Scotland into the red strongholds of the Highlands and Grampians. Progressed through a programme of targeted grey squirrel monitoring and control, you’ll help support the protection and expansion of red squirrel populations in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels strategy. This role requires an approachable individual with experience in mammal control work that enjoys working outdoors and interacting with people.

Main objectives:

Delivering responsive and strategic grey squirrel control in the region primarily from the shores and islands of Loch Lomond, heading east to Callander and the Teith Valley to Doune; develop regional Rapid Response Monitoring networks in the region; recruit and train volunteers and external partners in grey squirrel control and monitoring; build relations with local landowners and stakeholders; and support the Argyll and West Dumbartonshire MCO with removal of grey squirrels from the Loch Lomond islands.

This includes:

• Carry out responsive and strategic grey squirrel control through trapping in priority areas
• Plan and support the development and expansion of a regional Rapid Response Monitoring (RRM) networks
• Assist with recruiting and provide appropriate training to volunteers and external partners in grey squirrel control, monitoring and detection methods
• Where required, carry out Operational Monitoring (OM) to assess squirrel presence e.g. feeder boxes and/or camera traps
• Monitor the spread of the squirrel pox virus through the Central Lowlands by carrying out trapping and testing in sampling survey squares
• Collect and maintain records on monitoring and trapping efforts using Excel, ArcGIS and the SSRS Hub (database) and contribute to reporting on project performance.
• Encourage interest in local red squirrel conservation with relevant local communities, landowners and stakeholders through media and events
• Support the Argyll and West Dumbartonshire MCO with the removal of grey squirrels from the Loch Lomond Islands through trapping and targeted shooting

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, countryside management or related discipline.
• A minimum two years’ experience in a relevant field, including practical wildlife management/ invasive non-native species control.
• Experience in collecting, maintaining and reporting standardised ecological data.
• Experience of working with landowners, gamekeepers, foresters and the public.
• Experience recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to undertake active conservation work.
• A good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation.
• Knowledge of native tree species and familiarity with the Trossachs and Stirlingshire area (advantageous).
• Willingness to occasionally work out of normal working hours.
• A full clean driving licence.
• Possess, or be willing and eligible to obtain, a Firearms licence.

Benefits

• Flexi time/hybrid working
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and pension schemes
• Weekly wellness hour
• Generous Sick pay allowance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Training and Development focus