How to become a countryside officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- countryside or environmental management
- ecology and geography
- environmental science
- biology
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
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College
You could do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
- Level 3 Certificate in Countryside Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could start by doing one of the following apprenticeships:
- intermediate apprenticeship for countryside workers
- higher apprenticeship for countryside rangers
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Paid or unpaid work experience can be very useful when applying for jobs. Many organisations offer volunteering opportunities, for example:
You can search for more opportunities at Countryside Jobs Service.
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Further information
You can get more details about countryside careers from the National Land Based College and Grow Careers.