Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about aviation and / or wildlife? Do you like to work autonomously? Are you looking for a part time role and are you extremely flexible? If so, look no further, as we are looking for an Airfield Wildlife Control Operator (AWCO) to work at our RAF Benson site on a zero hours contract basis.

About the role

Wildlife, particularly birds, pose a high risk to air safety, especially during critical points of flight, take-off and landing. The purpose of the AWCO is to eliminate the presence of birds and other wildlife on the airfield, reducing the risk to all aircraft using the airfield.

Wildlife is naturally attracted to the airfield due to several factors, the primary being the abundance of food. Equipped with a 4x4 vehicle, bioacoustics, pyrotechnics and (when all else fails) a shotgun, you will deter the wildlife from settling on the airfield and encourage all bird populations to stay well clear. The entire operation is carried out within the strict guidelines of Natural England, the police and local airfield management. All movements and activities are recorded in a watch log, with all lethally controlled animals dispatched under license as a last resort to preserve the safety of our aircraft.

This position is located at:

What we are looking for:

This role would suit someone who is fairly active outside of work, likes their own company, is flexible and supportive with a team ethos and who has recent shooting experience (from game keeping, pest control, clay/pigeon shooting, military service etc).

To be considered for this position, you must be:

• Colour perception safe
• Hold a valid UK manual driving licence
• Able to apply and maintain security clearance (This involves considerable financial & criminal record vetting).

Other Essential Requirements Include:

• Reside within a maximum of a 45 minute drive from RAF Benson.
• Confident working autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your vehicle and your hand-held radio for company.
• Comfortable using technology; i.e recording findings on a tablet.
• Comfortable working outside in all weathers.
• Ability to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises.
• Ability to obtain and maintain shotgun/firearms certificate.

Shooting experience would be an advantage in this role but all training will be provided. You will however need to be comfortable with the possibility of dispatching wildlife as a last resort.

If you hold a shotgun and/or firearms certificates that would be advantageous, but we will assist you to obtain these if you are successful – you must however be able to obtain and maintain such certificates.

If you are a keen photographer, this is also an advantage as it could be useful in documentation, as would any shooting experience and gun licenses, although all training will be provided if not, and we will also assist you obtaining any relevant licenses if successful. 

This role would suit someone who is fairly active outside of work, likes their own company, is flexible and supportive with a team ethos and who has recent shooting experience (from game keeping, pest control, clay / pigeon shooting, military service etc).