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:

To be considered for this position, you must be colour perception safe, hold a valid UK Manual driving licence and be able to apply and maintain security clearance – this involves considerable financial and criminal record vetting.

You will also:

- Live within a maximum of a 45 minute drive from RAF Benson – essential

- Be happy to work autonomously for long periods of time with nothing but your vehicle and your hand-held radio for company

- Be comfortable using technology – A tablet in order to record findings and Whats App to communicate with your team members

- Be comfortable working outside in all weathers

- be able to think on your feet and cope with pressure as it arises

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

- If you hold a shotgun and/ or firearms certificates that would be a huge advantage, 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).

Salary: £12.71 per hour.

Job Type: This role is a Zero hours contract, which means you will cover for sickness and annual leave, so shifts will vary and you will be paid each month for hours worked. These hours will vary considerably from month to month, so the role would only suit someone who has a 2nd income from another flexible role, or someone who is financially stable and is just looking for some part time work in this type of role.

Shifts: Normal hours of operation are 07:30-2100, and shift times may vary. They will however cover the days of Monday through to Saturday. More detail can be provided upon application – flexibility is key, although you will be provided with a work schedule a month in advance to allow you to plan and extra hours may be available from time to time.