Wanted - two trappers to continue RSPB's controversial campaign to rid Orkney of non-native stoats

                                           

RSPB is determined to wipe out Orkney's stoat population (photo: Keven Law via Wikimedia Commons) 

THE RSPB is again recruiting for trappers in its campaign to rid Orkney of stoats.

It is offering salaries of between £29,200 to £31,347 per annum to two officers to carry out what is possibly one of the least pleasant jobs in the wildlife sector.

The society is either bolstering its present set-up with new staff or replacing individuals who have decided the slaughter of wild animals is not for them.

The job involves:

•    Checking, cleaning and rebaiting DOC200 kill traps across a network of over 7,000 traps on a regular cycle as part of a team. This will include removing and disposing of catches from traps 

•    Trap deployment and removal

•    Implementing trap and vehicle maintenance schedules

•    Ensuring that all necessary trap field and maintenance data are collected and captured into a database

•    Assisting in stoat monitoring

•    Engaging with landowners to maintain and secure land access agreements across the Orkney Mainland and linked isles

•    Other tasks appropriate to the project as required

Says the job description: "You will enjoy being outdoors and be able to perform a repetitive task to a consistently high standard. 

"You should also have experience of working with local communities in a collaborative and sensitive way because a key part of your role will be maintaining good relationships with landowners." 

The RSPB wants rid of the stoats, which are non-native to Orkney, because it deems them a threat to other wildlife such as nesting red-throated divers and short-eared owls.

It is  looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th January 2025. 

For further information contact  Hannah.read@rspb.org.uk