Biosecurity Team Member (Rapid Response Volunteer)

Why we want you As part of the stoat eradication in Orkney there is a need for a rapid response team who will be able to respond to stoat sightings alongside our trap team to remove them as quickly as possible. We are building a network of trained volunteers around the county to respond to sightings, and able to take quick action to deal with these sightings. We will provide training and host occasional team days, but you will only be called upon in the event of a sighting. We do not expect that everyone will be available all of the time, but by having a large network of volunteers we aim to ensure that we have sufficient numbers when needed. Depending on your skill set and interests there may be other tasks you can help the team with such as more regular stoat trap checks and reviewing trail camera footage. The RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity. Join our fantastic volunteers who are helping to inspire everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife. We will help you gain skills and give you an invaluable insight into our essential work. What you will be doing • You will be travelling throughout Orkney and assisting with practical on-the-ground conservation work, this will involve the active control of invasive stoats by use of traps. • Travelling to our office to collect equipment for your response. • Other tasks you may have the opportunity to get involved with if you are interested include routine surveillance checks, helping at events, reviewing trail camera footage, or helping with maintenance and support workshop activities. The skills you need • Be able to follow the procedures required for the removal of stoats and learn the necessary monitoring skills required. • Be able to attend training. • Follow Health and Safety requirements of the project. • Work as part of a team of 2-4 people to carry out the main tasks. Be flexible and adaptable to change. • Have a friendly disposition and be able to communicate effectively with people. • Be comfortable moving across rugged terrain in all weathers, including slippery rocks, steep slopes and at a safe distance from cliff edges. • Be able to carry equipment across rugged terrain – as a minimum 10 – 15kgs • We expect you to carry out your responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are used effectively and efficiently. • Be comfortable traversing barbed wire fences. • Be aware of the risks associated with working on active farms. • Be able to use basic IT systems to collect and log data. • Be comfortable using a map/GPS. What's in it for you • You will be helping to save some of our most iconic species in some of the most spectacular locations around Orkney. • You will gain valuable experience and training in implementation of incursion response measures in the event of Stoats being detected. • You will meet and work with other passionate volunteers and staff that are experts in the eradication field and have a deep knowledge of our native species. • You will be part of the largest stoat eradication project in the world, contributing to the long-term protection of Orkney’s native species.