NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2 million flights per year, our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
In partnership with the MOD, NATS Solutions deliver Air Traffic Control services at six Military Airfields (Barkston Heath, Gibraltar, Middle Wallop, Netheravon, Wattisham and Woodvale). This is a 21-year contract delivered jointly with Aquila, who have responsibility for engineering services.
We are currently seeking an Airfield Wildlife Control Unit Officer, to join the NATS Solutions team based at Wattisham in Suffolk, home of Attack Helicopter Force in support of the Marshall contract.
This position plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Wattisham Airfield by proactively managing wildlife control measures. You will be responsible for monitoring, assessing, and implementing strategies to mitigate wildlife hazards and minimise the risk of bird strikes and other wildlife-related incidents.
Other duties include:
- Regular assessments of the airfield and surrounding areas to identify potential wildlife hazards
- Documenting wildlife presence and behaviour patterns on and around the airfield
- Collaborate with experts to identify species-specific risks, potential attractants, develop and implement wildlife deterrence and mitigation plans in accordance with aviation safety standards
- Coordinate use of bird control measures, including bird distress calls, pyrotechnics, and habitat modification
- Report all wildlife strikes and incidents promptly to appropriate authorities and ensure comprehensive documentation
- Conduct training sessions and workshops for airfield personnel increasing awareness of wildlife hazards and prevention methods
- Stay current with aviation safety regulations, local and national laws and guidelines related to wildlife control
- Develop and implement emergency response procedures for wildlife-related incidents, coordinate with emergency services and relevant agencies in the event of a wildlife strike or hazard
- Collaborate with local wildlife authorities, neighbouring airfields, environmental agencies, and aviation industry organizations
- Equipment serviceability checks, general airfield driving duties
- Manning the Visual control assistant’s position, including monitoring frequencies, recording aircraft movements and control of vehicles on the airfield
- Receiving and disseminating weather observations from the on-site MET office including recording of ATIS broadcasts
- Compile and distribute daily flight programme and produce associated flight bookings
- Receiving and actioning of flight plans, NOTAM’s dissemination, and other essential flight data
- Coordinate and record the use of LFA10 during airfield opening hours
Essential skills and experience:
- Previous experience in wildlife control or aviation safety is highly desired
- Knowledge of local wildlife species and their behaviours
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Proficient in data analysis and report generation
- Familiar with aviation safety regulations and guidelines
- Full UK driving license
- Requirement to hold a shotgun and firearms licence for wildlife control activities is highly desirable
Additional vacancy Information:
NATS Solutions (Wattisham) terms apply to this role and any appointment will be on the employment terms applicable at Wattisham. Benefits include a salary dependent on the applicant’s relevant experience, contributory pension scheme and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.
