Dockyard searching for 'chief scorpion wrangler'

A museum in Kent is looking for a volunteer to take on one of Britain’s most unusual jobs.

The Blue Town Heritage Centre on the Isle of Sheppey is advertising for a “chief scorpion wrangler” to keep an eye on a colony of scorpions which have been living in the walls of Sheerness Dockyard, opposite the centre, for more than 200 years.

Centre boss Jenny Hurkett, 75, said: “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.”

The yellow-tailed scorpions have been living on Sheppey for more than 200 years.

It is believed they hitched a ride to Britain in the early 1800s on ships bringing granite blocks to Sheppey during the reign of King George III to help build the dockyard wall, which was completed in 1813.

The Sheppey arachnids are tiny – growing to no longer than 45mm – but can still pack a punch in their tails, although it is said to be no worse than a bee sting.

The volunteer job vacancy reads: "There are no formal qualifications needed but any applicant for the position should have a natural love of animals and, in particular, 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.”

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