Part-Time Gamekeeper - Ref 1440 Date: February 20, 2025

Part-Time Gamekeeper

Established Pheasant Shoot, Wiltshire

Pro-rata, on annual equivalent of £39k

We seek a self-employed, part-time, gamekeeper to manage a well-established and successful stand one/beat one pheasant shoot in Wiltshire, which celebrates its centenary in 2028. The shoot functions as a friendly, not-for profit, community enterprise supported by an engaged, volunteer, committee and members who willingly assist in ensuring the shoot is prepared for each season. The keeper works closely with an experienced Shoot Captain to ensure the smooth running of the shoot.

As there is no requirement for bird rearing, this is an ideal role for someone looking for a part-time position with flexible working arrangements and could prove to be highly attractive to an experienced keeper who is looking to slow-down a touch; or an under-keeper with capacity to take on an additional shoot. We wish to make an immediate appointment of an enthusiastic, empathetic, and passionate individual to take on the full range of responsibilities before, during, and after the season.

Responsibilities and Deliverables:

Pre-Season:

· Shoot preparation: Ensure drives, release pens, and feeding rides are well maintained and ready for the season.

· Poults and Feed: In conjunction with the committee plan, source and purchase poults and feed from our established suppliers.

· Habitat and woodland management: Assist in coppicing, clearing, and maintaining cover to enhance the shoot environment.

· Predator control: Implement effective predator management to protect the game population.

· Feeding and watering: Establish and maintain feeding routes to promote a strong and healthy bird population.

· Infrastructure maintenance: Repair and upkeep of pens, gates, feeders, and drinkers.

During the Season:

· Shoot day management: Work closely with the Shoot Captain to organise beaters, pickers-up, and Guns.

· Drive preparation: Ensure pegs, flushing points, and drives are properly set up before each shoot day.

· Gamekeeping duties: Monitor bird health, manage feeding schedules, and assist with any necessary adjustments.

· Safety and compliance: Ensure all activities adhere to relevant game laws and best practices.

· Record keeping: Maintain accurate records of shoot performance, bag sizes, and predator control efforts.

Post-Season:

· Ground maintenance: Repair and restore drives, pens, and paths to maintain the quality of the shoot.

· Habitat and conservation work: Support woodland and wildlife conservation efforts to sustain biodiversity. Continue to feed residual birds until habitat and new growth sustains them.

· Equipment and infrastructure care: Store and maintain shoot equipment, ensuring readiness for the next season.

· Review and planning: Work with the Shoot Captain to assess the season and implement improvements for the following year.

Ideal Candidate:

· Previous experience in gamekeeping and shoot management.

· Knowledge of predator control and habitat maintenance.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· An empathetic individual with developed emotional intelligence (EQ) to engage with all-comers instinctively and naturally.

· Should own or have regular access to at least one working dog – preferably spaniel.

· A full UK driving licence and shotgun certificate (both essential).

· Practically, the keeper should reside within 30-40 mins drive of Amesbury, Wiltshire.

What We Offer:

· A competitive pro rata salary.

· The opportunity to work on a respected and established shoot.

· Flexible hours suited to the seasonal nature of the role.

If you are interested to know more, please express that initial interest immediately with an up-to-date CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and enthusiasm for the position to the Treasurer at: treasurer@thelistuk.com