Beat Stalker - Ref 1526 Date: May 21, 2025

Beat Stalker

Reporting to Senior Stalker

Forest Lodge, Atholl Estates

The Role

To work under the instruction of the Senior Stalker to assist in the management of the wild deer herd, hosting of guest stalking, care of ponies, habitat creation, conservation and restoration activities at Atholl Estate

The available role is upon the beat of Forest Lodge, set in the heart of Glen Tilt and Atholl Estate. The Estate is both proud of its place in Scottish history and is enjoying a period of growth and diversification, answering the requirements of sustainable land management for future generations

The right candidate will have DSC2 and a minimum of three years' experience as a Beat Stalker with highland ponies

All Atholl Estate employees commit to embracing the shared values of the business. These are:

The role principally involves:

Supporting the Senior Stalker with all aspects of deer management including the cull and guest hospitality, always having regard to your personal safety as well as those around you and demonstrating authenticity and trustworthiness to your colleagues

Always operating according to Nature Scot Code of Practice on Deer Management as well as all other relevant codes of good practice, including a regard to the Deer Management section of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, introduced in February 2025

Contribute to habitat creation, management and conservation activities across the Estate including data collection, woodland creation and peatland restoration; embracing our commitment in our values to be inquisitive in our approach to land management

Training and managing the high welfare of the Estate’s highland ponies

Supporting in the training of the seasonal ghillies and trainees who handle the ponies most days during the stag and hind stalking seasons

Supporting the Senior Stalker with the grouse management plan and effective management of the habitat to promote grouse including population counts, monitoring worm burden, muirburn according to legislation and gritting

Ensure vermin and predator controls are maintained within legislative guidelines

Assist with all sporting and tourism activities, including grouse shooting, fishing and hill tours with guests providingthe supportive experience that we commit to in our values

Taking responsibility alongside colleagues to ensure the larder is maintained in a safe and hygienic condition, always having regard to the requirements of the Scottish Quality Wild Venison Scheme of which the Estate is a member

Take responsibility for the safe use of vehicles, equipment and PPE, ensuring it is suitable for the role, and maintained in good order as part of our commitment to always act responsibly

Assistance with maintenance and repair requirements across the Estate as well as the management of sporting lodges

Use of technology including GIS in data recording

In line with Atholl Estate values, communicating with authenticity and integrity, working closely within the department of five full time stalkers as well as the wider Estate team

Being part of the Estate’s first response team, always supporting in times of natural crises such as wildfire and extreme weather conditions

Acting as a custodian of the Estate, supporting colleagues in the management of responsible access and celebrating our rich heritage

Completing any other duties as required from time to time

Essential skills and attributes:

Compliance with the letter and the spirit of the law in relation to the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006; the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, Firearms Act 1968 and all other regulations, general licences and legislation relevant to the role

Shotgun / Firearms licences required

Driving licence required

Competitive salary, housing and vehicle provided

Please apply with your cv and covering letter by Friday 13thJune to lauram@atholl-estates.co.uk or contact us with questions on 07894064885. We reserve the right to close the application window early according to interest.