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Countryside officer

Alternative titles for this job include Conservation officer

Countryside officers manage, protect and improve the rural environment.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a countryside officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could do 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

More Information

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge you'll need in this job.

Relevant subjects include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
  • Level 3 Certificate in Countryside Management
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a countryside worker intermediate apprenticeship or a countryside ranger higher apprenticeship.

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

More Information

Volunteering

You might find it useful to get some work experience before you apply for a job. 

You could look for volunteering opportunities with:

More Information

Further information

You can get more details about countryside careers from the National Land Based College and Grow Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • knowledge of geography
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • advise landowners on how to manage their land
  • conduct surveys, carry out research and analyse data
  • write reports and deliver presentations
  • prepare and advise on funding and planning applications
  • give talks to community groups and support local environmental events
  • make resources like leaflets and displays to promote the countryside

Working 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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further qualifications, you could become a senior countryside officer or a manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Countryside Ranger Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,176.00 Annually
  • Location: KROWJI, WEST PARK, REDRUTH

Woodland Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,177.96 Annually
  • Location: Bank Road, Matlock, Derbyshire

Courses In England

Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management Advanced Extended Diploma (Level 3)

  • Provider: CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Enfield

Environmental Studies and Conservation Level 3

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Guildford

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