Job Description - Gamekeeper

JOB DESCRIPTION - GAMEKEEPER

Introduction

The community owned estate of Eriskay, South Uist & Benbecula (www.storasuibhist.com) operates the commercial sporting business around Grogarry Lodge (www.grogarrylodge.com). The sporting programme currently includes red deer stalking, snipe, woodcock, goose and duck, and previously included grouse. A network of land drains established some 300 years ago supports an extensive loch-based sea-trout and salmon fishery (www.southuistfishing.co.uk). The machair lochs are also renowned for the production of prize brown trout. A number of hill lochs on South Uist and the lochs of Benbecula are currently under-utilised for the fishing and offer a significant opportunity to expand the fishery.

An additional Game Keeper is sought to work with the existing team to manage the extensive ground in a way that supports the crofting tenants and promotes the continued success of the sporting business.

Duties

The successful applicant will, whilst reporting to the Estate Manager and Senior Keeper will be responsible for assisting in developing and improving support for the crofting tenants, and managing the sporting activities on the Estate.

Duties will include, but not be limited to:

1.  Building relationships with the crofting community and local residents.

2.  In conjunction with existing staff, support and contribute to the development of long-term plans and policies for various aspects of the sporting activities and wildlife management needs of the Estate, particularly:

a.  Sporting lets – woodcock, snipe, duck, and geese,

b.  Fishery Development – brown trout, seas trout, salmon,

c.  Red deer management,

d.  Goose management,

e.  Ongoing maintenance of the estate,

3.  Vermin control.

4.  Identification and development of opportunities to expand the outdoor/activity side of the business.

5.  Maintenance of records.

Employment will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure from Disclosure Scotland in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Police Act 1997

Experience/Knowledge/Skills Required

1.  Knowledge and experience in the management and development of sporting activities which include snipe, woodcock, geese and duck flighting, brown trout, sea trout, and salmon.

2.  Relevant professional training.

3.  Relevant certificates, including firearms, ATV, ArgoCat, DSC, etc.

4.  Full, driving licence category B (car & trailer up to 3500kg).

5.  Other duties reasonably requested.

Desirable Experience/Knowledge/Skills

1.  Experience of working in remote island locations.

2.  Full, clean, driving licence category B (car & trailer up to 3500kg).

3.  Full, clean, driving licence category D1 (mini-bus) and B+E (car and trailer over 3500kg).

4.  Ability to speak/read Gàidhlig.

Work Requirements

1.  Willingness to work flexibly to meet the demands of the job, including out of hours and weekend working.

How To Apply

Applications should be sent to: Jennifer MacLeod, Corporate Services Manager, Stòras Uibhist, Oifis Stòras, Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS.

All applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.

Closing date for applications is 9am Friday 14th October 2016 with interviews planned for week commencing 24th October 2016.