From springtime hornet traps to border biosecurity checks, Guernsey’s battle against invasive species has become a year-round effort – and the States is now looking for a new officer to take charge of the response.
The States of Guernsey has advertised for an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Policy and Co-ordination Officer, a full-time role paying between £49,933 and £53,413, tasked with leading the island’s response to harmful species that threaten biodiversity, the economy and public wellbeing.
The post sits within the Environment and Infrastructure service area and comes as Guernsey continues to face repeated incursions of Asian hornets, alongside longer-established invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and sour fig.
According to the job description, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and coordinating the delivery of States policies, including the INNS Action Plan and the Asian Hornet Strategy, contributing to the island’s wider ‘Strategy for Nature’ objective to reduce pressures on nature and improve resilience.
The States says the role reflects a recognition that more action is needed both to prevent new invasive species arriving in Guernsey and to manage those already established.
The officer will work closely with the Natural Environment Team and the existing Land Management and Asian Hornet Officer, and will also be jointly responsible for the ongoing delivery of the Asian Hornet Strategy. The role includes providing cover for hornet-related work when required.
Key responsibilities include developing biosecurity awareness campaigns, responding to public reports of invasive species, coordinating with border agencies at the airport and harbours, and supporting early detection systems such as island-wide monitoring for Asian hornet queens each spring.
The post holder will also help oversee rapid response measures, promote citizen science programmes, and work with other islands in the Bailiwick to ensure a coordinated inter-island approach to invasive species management, including safe nest destruction on Herm, Jethou, Sark and Alderney.
In addition, the role involves reviewing best-practice control methods for established invasive species, producing annual reviews of the Asian Hornet Strategy, and preparing reports for the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
The States is seeking candidates with a degree in ecological science or a related discipline, experience in data mapping and analysis, strong communication skills, and confidence in media work and public engagement.
The closing date for applications is 19 January.
