Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
Managing a team of Field staff to remove invasive species from the Orkney Mainland
- Led invasive species management operations across Orkney Mainland, implementing innovative detection and removal strategies to protect native wildlife. - Established and maintained partnerships with landowners to secure critical site access for conservation efforts. - Pioneered advanced detection methodologies by integrating thermal imaging trail cameras with AI identification systems, significantly enhancing species monitoring capabilities. - Developed novel baiting techniques and trapping protocols that improved trap interaction across varied terrain types. - Assumed leadership responsibilities for a team of 6 field operators, restructuring operational plans and implementing evidence-based improvements in field-work. - Fostered collaborative relationships with specialized detection dog teams to identify and prioritize stoat population hotspots, enabling targeted intervention strategies. Core responsibilities included field trapping operations, stakeholder relationship management, technology integration for wildlife monitoring, and cross-functional team coordination to advance conservation outcomes across the Orkney Islands.
- Comprehensive Estate Management: Directed all aspects of land management across 100+ hectares of diverse forestry including ancient woodland, mixed plantation, and riparian zones, plus 20 acres of historic formal gardens dating back to the 18th century - Team Leadership & Development: Led and mentored ranger team through daily operations, seasonal planning, and emergency response protocols while fostering professional development and skills training - Visitor Experience & Safety: Developed and implemented comprehensive safety management systems for public access areas, including risk assessments for woodland trails, garden pathways, and special events hosting up to 500+ visitors - Heritage Garden Maintenance: Preserved and enhanced formal estate gardens, including topiary management, herbaceous border maintenance, seasonal planting schemes, and restoration of period garden features - Forestry Operations: Planned and executed sustainable forestry practices including selective harvesting, disease management, invasive species control, and habitat enhancement for native wildlife populations - Infrastructure Management: Maintained extensive network of estate infrastructure including 20+ miles of woodland trails, bird hides and other visitor facilities. - Mechanical & Technical Operations: Serviced and repaired diverse fleet of specialized equipment including ride-on mowers, chainsaws, tractors, brush cutters and estate vehicles. - Event Support: Coordinated grounds preparation and safety oversight for weddings, corporate events, and seasonal celebrations, ensuring ensuring minimal disturbance to ongoing estate operations - Seasonal Planning: Developed and executed annual management plans incorporating pruning schedules, planting programs, maintenance cycles, and resource allocation across all estate areas
- Protected Area Management: Led restoration efforts of Queen Elizabeth II Trust protected forest and wetland systems, coordinating conservation initiatives across significant native areas. - Native Ecosystem Regeneration: Designed and executed seed collection program targeting 15+ endemic species, establishing nursery propagation systems that achieved 85% germination success rates - Infrastructure Development: Created specialized growing facilities including shade houses, irrigation systems, and propagation areas optimized for native plant requirements - Integrated Land Management: Successfully balanced conservation objectives with agricultural operations, managing 200-head sheep herd while protecting regenerating native areas through strategic grazing management - Sustainable Systems: Developed composting and organic matter management systems using farm waste, creating closed-loop nutrient cycling for restoration plantings
- Large-Scale Invasive Management: Executed comprehensive pest control programs across 10,000+ acres of New Zealand's National Parks, utilizing integrated trapping networks and monitoring systems - Aviation Safety Protocols: Developed and implemented specialized health and safety frameworks for helicopter-supported operations in remote alpine and forest environments, ensuring zero safety incidents - Sensitive Environment Operations: Maintained 50+ kilometers of monitoring track networks through pristine wildlife sanctuaries, employing minimal-impact techniques to protect rare plant communities and nesting sites - Botanical Conservation: Conducted systematic invasive plant removal programs targeting species including wilding pines, gorse, and Old Man's Beard, using selective herbicide application and mechanical removal techniques - Multi-Agency Coordination: Worked with regional councils, iwi groups, and conservation organizations to ensure culturally appropriate and scientifically sound management practices - Technical Innovation: Tested and refined new trapping technologies and monitoring equipment, contributing to improved detection rates and operational efficiency across the conservation sector
- Scientific Research: Conducted ecological monitoring involving DNA testing of waterways and comprehensive plant health surveys - Public Engagement: Led educational night tours, sharing conservation knowledge with diverse visitor groups - Emergency Response: Participated in search and rescue operations, maintaining safety standards in challenging terrain - Ornithological Research: Collaborated with Victoria University on bird studies, conducting field tests and catch-and-release operations with rare species