The RSPB will not rest until every last stoat has been eradicated from the face of Orkney

                                                        

The bird charity is determined to banish stoats from The Orkneys

THE RSPB is stepping up its efforts to exterminate the stoat population of Orkney.

It is recruiting for a 'biosecurity and conservation detection dog manager' to aid its campaign to hunt and destroy the non-native beasties.

The post runs until December 31 and carries a salary of £32,022 - £34,377 per annum.

What is the Kirkwall-based  role about? 

Says the job description: "Working closely with the eradication operations manager, the successful candidate will manage a conservation detection dog team to ensure the successful delivery of the eradication of stoats in Orkney, prevent their spread to small islands within Orkney and put in place biosecurity measures to prevent their return."

It continues: "He or she will ideally have practical experience in mustelid trapping and surveillance, and a good understanding of stoat biology and behaviour. 

"He or she will also be familiar with, and experienced in, the use of common island biosecurity surveillance tools and use of conservation detection dogs."

The charity says it aims to conduct interviews for this position from  June 10.

Any potential can obtain further information from Vicky Grant at vicky.grant@rspb.org.uk

* Photo: Keven Law/ Hello World/ Wikimedia Commons

The Wryneck says: We are uncomfortable about this initiative - at least until several issues have been addressed. Is the project ethical? Does it have the support of Orkney residents. Is it backed by the RSPB membership? How effective has it been in achieving its aims? What is likely to be the final cost? And is it money well spent? Answers to these questions would be more than welcome.