Advert for Britain's most unusual job - monitoring Kent's scorpion colony

George Mathias

21 November 2024 at 10:15 am·2-min read

A museum has advertised what could be Britain's most unusual job - monitoring the nation's largest scorpion colony. The successful candidate will become a 'chief scorpion wrangler', working for The Blue Town Heritage Centre on the Isle of Sheppey.

The museum said applicants should be keen sea scorpions - which can grow up to 45mm and give a nasty sting. They have been living in the walls of Sheerness Dockyard, opposite the museum, for more than 200 years.

No formal qualifications are needed for the voluntary role. Centre boss Jenny Hurkett, 75, 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.”

The scorpions glow in the dark under a UV light -Credit:SWNS

The yellow-tailed scorpions are believed to have hitched a ride to Britain in the early 1800s on ships bringing granite blocks to Sheppey to help build the dockyard wall, which was completed in 1813. The scorpions are small, growing to no larger than 45mm.

But they can still sting with their tales - a sensation which has been likened to a bee sting. The job advertisement said: "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.”

Applicants should contact Blue Town Heritage Centre.

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