A museum has a new job opening but with an usual specification.
The Blue Town Heritage Centre on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent is on the hunt for a ‘chief scorpion wrangler’ to monitor Britain’s largest scorpion colony. The museum, which sits opposite the historic Sheerness Dockyard where the sea scorpions have resided for over two centuries, is seeking someone with a passion for the creatures that can grow up to 45mm and pack a nasty sting.
Jenny Hurkett, the 75-year-old centre boss, told the BBC: “They are one of our island’s strangest tourist attractions. People come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of them after the sun goes down. But we want someone to monitor them to ensure they are safe. No-one else seems to be looking out for them.”
Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected]
These yellow-tailed scorpions are believed to have arrived in Britain in the early 1800s aboard ships carrying granite blocks used to construct the dockyard wall. Despite their small size, their sting is said to feel similar to a bee sting. The job ad notes that no formal qualifications are required but stresses a love for animals and particularly for creepy-crawlies.
“The successful applicant will be required to inspect Britain’s largest scorpion colony once a month to ensure its members are safe. You will be given access to an ultraviolet torch to help you locate our nippy neighbours.
“You will also be required to wear headgear to protect you against falling masonry. Our previous incumbent wore an old-style explorer’s pith helmet.”
It has been estimated the number of scorpions in the colony is now around 15,000.
For anyone want to spot the little critters, they will need to head to the Sheerness Dockyard walls at night, and having the right equipment, such as a UV torch will help. Patience is also key as these small beasts don’t come out of the wall often, and when they do it might not be for long.
They are also particularly hard to spot due to their size, so it is worth looking out for cracks and holes in the wall, that they could emerge from. The scorpions eat woodlice and will scurry away at the sight of humans. If you have no luck spotting the scorpions, you can always head across the street to The Albion Bar, which serves an array of drinks. And if you are feeling peckish, there is always a fish and chip shop next door.
If you still have no luck, head to the Blue Town Heritage Centre, where you will be able to see two of the scorpions. Interested applicants should get in touch with Blue Town Heritage Centre for this one-of-a-kind job opportunity.
This post was originally published on here
