How to become a countryside ranger
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a ranger job.
Relevant courses include:
- environmental studies
- rural resource management
- countryside management
- 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
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College
You may be able to get into this job after doing a course at an agricultural or land based college.
Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
- Level 3 Diploma 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
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Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship, for example:
- Countryside Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These take between 1 and 2 and a half years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced 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
You could get useful experience by volunteering through:
This may give you an advantage when looking for work.
Direct Application
You could apply for a position as an assistant ranger in a national park or with an organisation like the National Trust. Once working, you may be offered the opportunity to do further training to become a ranger.
You'll be expected to have some paid or voluntary experience of working in the countryside or conservation, and a love of working outdoors.
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Career tips
A first aid qualification may help when applying for jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training and to build up your contacts.
Further information
You can get more details about working in the countryside from the National Trust.