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- Requires effective communication and people skills, as well as negotiating, planning, and organisational skills
- With experience and further qualifications, progress to senior Conservation officer or manager and then regional manager
- This work can be physically demanding and will involve work in all weather conditions
As a conservation officer you'll work on environmental improvements and conservation management.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Advise landowners on how to manage their land
- Conduct surveys
- Carry out research and analysing data
- Write reports and delivering presentations
- Prepare funding applications
- Deal with complaints
- Organise the upkeep of country parks and woodlands
- Make sure footpaths are clearly marked and litter bins and car parks are provided
- Advise on planning applications
- Give talks to local groups
- Produce resources like leaflets and information boards
- Support local environmental events, activities and projects
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office, in a park or in woodland. Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You might work in the evening, at weekends and on public holidays. You'll be based in an office, but spend a lot of time outdoors.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with a love of nature, effective communication and people skills, as well as negotiating, planning, and organisational skills.
Employers will usually expect you to have an HND, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like: biology, countryside or environmental management, ecology and geography or environmental science.
You could also do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment and a level 3 Certificate in Countryside Management.
You may be able to do an advanced apprenticeship in environmental conservation.
Paid or unpaid work experience can be very useful when applying for jobs. Organisations like The Conservation Volunteers, the National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts offer training for volunteers.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience and further qualifications, you could progress to senior Conservation officer or manager and then regional manager.