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- Requires practical skills for using tools and equipment, and communication skills to advise the public
- With experience, option to become a senior, district or head ranger or warden
- Option to move into other jobs in conservation, countryside management, public access or the environment
As a Countryside ranger you'll usually plan and create habitats to protect plants and animals, plant trees and manage ponds, lead guided walks, talks and educational visits, work with volunteers and encourage community involvement in projects, balance the needs of conservation and visitor management, manage exhibitions and resource centres and talk to the public, and keep records and write reports.
This role would be ideal for someone that likes working outdoors and with their hands. You will need practical skills for using tools and equipment, and communication skills to advise the public.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Plan and create habitats to protect plants and animals
- Plant trees and manage ponds
- Lead guided walks, talks and educational visits
- Work with volunteers and encourage community involvement in projects
- Balance the needs of conservation and visitor management
- Manage exhibitions and resource centres
- Talk to the public
- Keep records and write reports
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll usually work around 37 hours a week, which may include evenings and weekends. You may work more weekends during busy tourist times. You'll spend some time inside but there will be lots of active outdoor work and walking in all weathers.
You'll need
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant course like environmental studies, rural resource management, countryside management.
You may also be able to get into this job with a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management.
Alternatively you could start by doing an environmental conservation intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.
You could get experience by volunteering with National Parks or conservation charities like The Wildlife Trusts. This will give you an advantage when you're looking for work. A first aid qualification may also help when applying for jobs.
It would be helpful to join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training and to build up your contacts.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You could join a professional body like the Countryside Management Association, which may improve your career prospects.
With experience, you could become a senior, district or head ranger or warden. You could also become a countryside officer. Another option is to move into more specialised work like forestry or coastal area management, or wildlife conservation.