Trapper Team Leader

RSPB; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Kirkwall is seeking a Trapper Team Leader to manage field staff for a wildlife project aimed at protecting Orkney’s unique wildlife. The successful candidate will have strong leadership and field skills, ensuring the implementation of trapping operations. The role involves managing equipment, engaging with local communities, and working outdoors in challenging conditions. The position offers a full-time contract until December 2027 with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Experience in team leadership and fieldwork.
• Ability to inspire trust and support among local communities.
• Experience in managing field staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prioritize trap teams activities.
• Manage and coordinate field staff.
• Engage with landowners for access agreements.
• Conduct stoat trapping and monitoring.

Skills

Field skills

Organization

Communication

Physical fitness

Job description

Trapper Team Leader
Reference: AUG20258916
Location: Kirkwall - a combination of field and office-based work
Terms: Full-time, Until 31st December 2027
Salary: £30,075.00 - £32,108.00 Per Annum

The Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP) aims to protect Orkney’s unique and globally important wildlife, and the benefits that it provides for local people. Stoats pose a serious threat to the Orkney vole, a species found nowhere else in the world, and many birds including hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers, waders, and seabirds.

This wildlife supports Orkney’s thriving tourism industry and represents a crucial haven for species which are threatened elsewhere in the UK. The project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council, and is generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and EU LIFE and NatureScot, and Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

We are looking for an experienced team leader with well-developed field skills and excellent organisation and communication skills to help deliver the stoat eradication operation for the ONWP.

Your time will be split between field work and team management.You will

• help to plan and prioritise the trap teams activities
• be responsible for ensuring your team has the necessary equipment to do their job, and has a well-balanced workload.
• be expected to carry out stoat trapping and monitoring alongside your team.
• be physically fit, able to walk considerable distances over challenging terrain, in all weathers and potentially carry heavy loads.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the Operations Manager to plan priorities and implement the methodology
• Manage and coordinate 5-6 field staff
• Engaging with landowners to maintain and secure land access agreements across Orkney and linked isles
• As part of a team - Check, clean, rebait, and manage a network of over 8,000 kill traps
• Implement trap and vehicle maintenance schedules
• Ensure that all necessary data is collected and stored correctly
• Work with the conservation dog team
• Drive ONWP fleet vehicles.

This project works under an adaptive management framework - you will need to adapt to changing project methodologies and ensure that these are carried out within your team. You will

• enjoy being outdoors and have a passion for nature and wildlife,
• have the confidence and ability to inspire trust and support for the project.
• also have experience of working with local communities in a collaborative and sensitive way.

Closing: Tuesday 7th October

To complete your application online, please CLICK HERE