Countryside officer
Countryside officers manage, protect and improve the rural environment.
Also known as: Conservation officer
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£34,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobYes
What you'll do
As a countryside officer, you could:
- advise landowners on how to manage their land
- conduct environmental surveys, carry out research and analyse data
- manage staff and volunteers
- advise on and apply for funding
- promote the countryside at events, visitor centres and on social media
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a park, in woodland or in the countryside.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of biology
- knowledge of geography
- customer service skills
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a countryside officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for work as a countryside officer.
Relevant courses include:
- countryside or environmental management
- ecology and geography
- environmental studies
- plant biology
- conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You may be able to start as a trainee countryside officer after completing a course at an agricultural college, such as:
- countryside studies
- countryside management
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around two and half years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to join an organisation as a countryside ranger, or assistant officer, and work your way up through on-the-job training and promotion.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a good way to get practical experience, meet new people and develop your network of contacts.
You can find opportunities with:
- National Parks UK
- The Wildlife Trusts
- The Conservation Volunteers
- Countryside Jobs Service
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
Career path and progression
With experience and further qualifications, you could:
- become a senior officer, countryside manager or estate manager
- move into forestry management or wildlife conservation
- work in leisure and tourism in the National Parks
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training.
Guides for this industry
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