Waging war on stoats - RSPB determined to eradicate 'invasive' creatures from Orkney to save scarce birds

                                                  

Short-eared owl - its Orkney nest sites are thought by the RSPB to be vulnerable to stoat predation 

A JOB is up for grabs for someone interested in becoming part of an RSPB team dedicated to eradicating stoats from Orkney.

The charity says the creature is an "invasive non-native predator which threatens  many birds including hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers, waders and seabirds."

For this reason, it is seeking to appoint a Stoat Detection Dog Handler, with an April 30 deadline for applications. 

Says the job description:

"Detection dogs are an integral part of the project. We are looking for an experienced conservation detection dog handler. You will be supplied with one or two trained stoat detection dogs and will be responsible for their welfare, but you will be supported for their care and maintenance.

"The purpose of this role is to support the stoat eradication operation and biosecurity activities across the Orkney Islands and at ports on mainland Scotland, including advocacy/media work as required.  You will work alongside other stoat detection dog handlers in the team, as well as the wider project team.

"Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Experience of handling a working dog, ideally in detection work.

• Strong navigational skills including GPS use and ability to read OS maps.

• Comfortable walking long distances over difficult terrain and working for prolonged periods in the field. Willing to undertake surveys independently on remote islands, including overnight stays.

• Ability to use own initiative to solve day-to-day problems in the field.

• Willing to work flexible hours, be self-motivated and work efficiently within a defined work plan. Able to work positively and collaboratively within a team.

• Skilled use of Microsoft office and ability to accurately collect and manage field data.

• Verbal communication skills to develop and maintain good relations with colleagues, landowners, local communities and members of the public. 

"Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of using GIS software

• Experience working in nature conservation

• Excellent wildlife identification skills

"The contract runs to the end of December next year and the post carries a salary of up to £30,415 per annum with 26 days annual leave."

The RSPB adds: "It is essential to remove stoats from Orkney to prevent significant and long-term negative impacts on native wildlife."

The organisation currently has a range of other vacancies including three for ferret-trappers on Raithlin Island and one for a cafe  assistant at its Titchwell reserve in Norfolk. 

The Wryneck says: The RSPB’s stoat-eradication initiative is a concern. It claims the creature is an ‘invasive’ species but provides no evidence of such. Furthermore, any increased owl population will surely jeopardise the survival prospects of the rare Orkney vole. In recent years, the society has shown itself all to  ready to shape the fortunes of wildlife to suit its own agenda. It is doubtless an admirable agenda, but has it never heard of the Balance of Nature?