Job Vacancies

KEY PURPOSE

 

Duties for this role will involve many aspects of estate life and are not limited to a traditional gamekeeping/ stalker role, as such the successful candidate will need to be open-minded and willing to tackle new challenges.

 

You will report to the Estate Manager but will also interact with Farm Staff and family members.

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

 

You will be responsible for:

• taking out paying clients to stags and hinds on the open hill, as well as, achieving the annual cull of deer as dictated by HIAs, DMGs/ Nature Scot and AECS.

• culling deer that are causing damage on our low ground, either in agricultural fields or in woodland creation/ forestry blocks.

• preparing carcasses in the larder for onward transmission to the game dealer to SQWV standards and be able to butcher carcasses for family and estate staff.

• controlling vermin on the estate to ensure that damage to livestock and game birds is kept to a minimum. This will include Foxes, Corvids and Mustelids.

• checking that fishermen have permits and managing river banks so that there is clear access for fisherman, for example maintaining styles over electric fences.

• all aspects of a non-commercial pheasant shoot, such as sourcing pheasants, rearing pheasants, maintenance of pens and other infrastructure, management of beaters and the organisation of shoot days in conjunction with the Shoot Captain.

• maintaining the larder and ensuring that SQWV standards are upheld all year round.

• ensuring that the Estate Sheds and Kennels are kept in a clean and tidy manner with basic maintenance carried out including paint work, gutters cleaned, etc.

• ensuring that equipment and tools are well maintained and capable of performing the work required.

• daily checks on ranger department vehicles (Pick up, quad bike, spinner and argo) and will liaise with Estate Manager for servicing and MOTs etc.

 

Other Duties will include:

• supporting Farm staff with erecting fencing and fence maintenance;

• helping with the transport of men and dogs during the gathering;

• supporting Estate Manager with conservation tasks as directed, such as Habitat Impact Assessments, scrub clearance, rush cutting, pond building etc.;

• supporting the family on any projects with which they require assistance;

• supporting family members with the provision of firewood; and

• looking after dogs and birds when family are away

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in land management

• Experience taking out paying guests out deer stalking

• Experience of game bird husbandry

 

Specific Skills, Abilities and Qualities

• We are looking for a dynamic individual who is adaptable and willing to take on new challenges.

• You will need to be self-motivated and proactive - able to see tasks that need doing – with a keen eye for detail. 

• You must be able to work alone but also in a team and have good communication skills.

• Serviceable IT skills are useful to ensure the administrative parts of the role can be fulfilled – returns to Nature Scot, HIA data handling and GPS.

• Working knowledge of current land management practices, including deer management groups, Agri-Environment schemes, Best Practice Guidelines and relevant legislation.

 

Qualifications

Required:

• Firearm & Shotgun certificates

• Driver’s Licence

• Minimum Level 2 DSC

Preferred:

• Chainsaw

• Backpack spraying PA1/PA6

• ATV (Sit on and side by side)

 

Location

Auchlyne & Suie Estate

Killin, FK21 8RG

5 miles from local amenities, including primary school, doctors, pharmacy etc.

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The position is available immediately or by 7th August at the latest.
Please submit a covering letter and CV to Nicola Colquhoun at info@auchlyne.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 12pm 1st July 2024.