The Broads Authority is on the hunt for an eagle-eyed drone operator to monitor the effect of deer roaming the Norfolk Broads amid concerns their insatiable appetite is harming the environment.

It is offering a salary of up to £40,000 for someone to carry out an annual deer survey.

The results will help the organisation understand how populations of red deer, muntjac, and Chinese water deer are increasing in the area.

A contract is currently out to tender for the role, which will involve scouring the region's waterways for the mammals.

A drone operator is being sought by the Broads AuthorityA drone operator is being sought by the Broads Authority (Image: Essex Police)

It follows a previous survey completed this year, to be repeated again in March 2025.

The surveys are undertaken during the night and early morning period, when deer movements are most likely to be occurring.

Deer have no natural predators in the UK so their population numbers are increasing.

It is hoped the survey will help to better manage numbers in order to protect arable crops, woodlands, reed beds and road users.

A drone operator is being sought by the Broads AuthorityA drone operator is being sought by the Broads Authority (Image: Mike Page)

Grazing deers can be damaging to the environment and to farmers' profits, as they are capable of eating more than 7kg of food a day, often sourced from woodlands, cereal crops and ornamental gardens.

They can also affect the biodiversity of the Broads, resulting in a reduction in food sources for birds, insects and other native mammals.

Growing numbers can also increase the risk of road accidents.

A muntjac deer at Strumpshaw FenA muntjac deer at Strumpshaw Fen (Image: Iwitness)

The 2024 survey found there were 4,452 deer within the landscape, with Chinese water deer being the biggest population, with 1,997.

The deer were spotted across a 203km2 radius and it was found that the Broads has a high density of deer.

Would-be deer monitors can apply for the role until November 27.