Trainee Stalker - Cairngorms Connect

Learn about deer management for habitat restoration as part of the Cairngorms Connect Partnership - the UK's most significant landscape-scale habitat restoration project.
This is a 12-month post working with the Cairngorms Connect Stalker and receiving on-the-job training to develop knowledge and skills in deer management to achieve the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 by the end of the traineeship.
What's the role about?
The Trainee Stalker will work with the Cairngorms Connect Stalker to learn about and assist with the targeted deer control in the Project area, primarily in remote locations and at high altitudes across large sections of the Cairngorms Connect project area.
A reduction in deer density is a crucial action to allow the expansion of native woodland through natural regeneration and planting. The Trainee will also be involved in estate works related to deer control and woodland expansion, e.g. tree nursery tasks, track maintenance, fencing, tree pruning/felling, etc...
The Trainee Stalker will receive formal training in First Aid at Work, 4x4 driving and ATV driving; There will also be on-the-job training in deer ecology and management, stalking, shooting, extraction and lardering skills with the overall aim of achieving the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC 1) by the end of the Traineeship. Personal Protective Equipment (Waterproofs, gloves, boots, hearing protection) will be provided.
We are looking for a person with the following essential skills and competencies;

• Data recording, writing and report compilation skills
• Eligible to hold a Firearms Certificate.
• Eligible to work and drive in the UK with a full driving license.
• A disciplined and self-motivated person willing to work in remote locations and in poor weather conditions.
• Committed to delivering high-quality deer control and land management tasks.
• Physically fit and able to cover long distances on foot over difficult terrain.
• Willing to work anti-social hours – early mornings, evenings and night shooting.
• A capable communicator, happy to work with project partners.
• Interested in practical land management and machinery care/maintenance.

Additional Information
This is a Fixed-Term (12 months) / Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 3/7/23. For further information please get in touch with [email protected]
As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
At RSPB, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity where all individuals feel empowered, respected, and encouraged to express themselves fully. Our goal is to create a world that is abundant in nature and to achieve this, we need more people from various backgrounds to join our cause. Unfortunately, people of colour and those with disabilities are underrepresented in the environmental, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. We strongly encourage individuals from these communities to apply and contact us for any additional support they may need in completing their application
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.