Hebridean Mink Project Support

Uist Beò; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

41.5 days annual leave

Flexi time

Employee discounts

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

NatureScot is seeking a Project Support officer to assist in mink control on the Uists as part of a fixed-term appointment until 31 March 2028. The role is 35 hours per week with a salary of £30,076, based in Uist, Scotland, and closing date 13 September 2026.

The post involves trapping and humane dispatch of American mink (and potentially rats) across the Isles of Lewis and Harris, with record-keeping, liaison with officials and the public, and field duties including up to 20 km of walking per

Qualifications

• Experience in wildlife management and use of live capture and kill traps.
• Valid UK driving licence or accessible transport.
• Ability to work in rough terrain and endure varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Control mink by trapping in the Uists, Western Isles
• Record contacts with officials and the public
• Maintain records of mink trapping operations
• Maintain high personal responsibility and humane conduct

Skills

Wildlife management

Driving licence

Physical fitness

Time management

Communication skills

Knowledge of local area

INNS eradication project experience

Boat handling

Public interaction

Firearms experience

Working with dogs

Job description

Job title: 1001-342 HMP Project Support | Grade: B | Vacancy type: Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2028 | Hours: 35 hours | Salary £30,076 | Location: Uist | Closing date: Midnight 13 September 2026 | Interview date: 01 October 2026

Job Purpose Summary

To carry out control of mink in support of a project set up and funded by Scottish Natural Heritage The project aims to eradicate American mink (Neovision vision) from the Outer Hebrides.

To trap and humanely despatch American Mink (also rats and potentially ferrets) on the Isles of Lewis and Harris using both “Breakback” (kill) and live capture cage traps.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• To control mink, by trapping in the Uists, Western Isles
• To record contacts with officials and the public, in relation to this work
• To maintain accurate records of mink trapping operations
• To maintain a high level of personal responsibility in dealing sensitively and humanely with control operations

Finally, please note that the nature of this role can involve walking over moorland of between 8-20 kilometres per day.

Skills

• Experience of wildlife management, using Live Capture and Kill Traps and outdoor work.
• As travelling is an integral part of the job, you must have a valid driving licence, or be able to call upon suitable alternative means of transport.
• As this role will involve working in rough terrain and inclement weather conditions the post holder must have an element of physical fitness.
• Effective time management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the local area and its natural history
• Experience of working in an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) eradication Project
• Boat handling skills.
• Experience of dealing with the general public.
• Experience of working with firearms.
• Experience of using working dogs.

Prerequisites Required

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract
• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan

Working For NatureScot – What We Offer You

• NatureScot offers some great benefits to reward and support you whilst you are working for us. Our benefits package includes the civil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScot website for further details including below:
• An environment with flexible working options
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions) https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/memberhub/joining-the-pension-scheme/
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis
• Death in service benefits
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to an employee discounts scheme
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Interviews

External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.

For Information Regarding The Vacancy Please Contact

Iain Macleod, Operations Manager - West

Email: [e-mail]

For Information Regarding The Recruitment Process Please Contact

[e-mail]

Nature is vital to us all, so it's important that NatureScot represents the people of Scotland. The more diverse our workforce is, the more effectively we can connect everyone with nature. We encourage applications from candidates of all ages and genders, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.