HMP Project Support

NatureScot; Stornoway; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

41.5 days annual leave

Volunteer leave

Wellbeing programme

Cycle to work

Job summary

NatureScot in the Outer Hebrides seeks a dedicated wildlife control officer to trap and humanely despatch American mink, supporting a project funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. You will operate across Uist and the Western Isles, recording interactions with officials and the public, and maintaining detailed records of trapping operations.

The role requires walking 8–20 kilometres daily over moorland, with physical fitness, driving ability, and experience in INNS eradication highly valued.

Qualifications

• Eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the contract.
• Willing to undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Gaelic language desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Experience of wildlife management

Driving licence

Physical fitness

Time management

Local area knowledge

INNS eradication experience

Boat handling

Public interaction

Firearms experience

Working dogs

Job description

Uist, Outer Hebrides

£30,076

Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2028

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 thecivil service pension scheme, a generous holiday leave allowance plus flexi time, and employee discount scheme. Visit the NatureScotwebsite for further detailsincluding below:

• An environment with flexible working options
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions)
• 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

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 at [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.

Closing date: midnight 13 September 2026.

Interview date: 1 October 2026.