Countryside ranger

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. Relevant courses include:

• environmental studies
• rural resource management
• countryside management

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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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to get into this job with a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

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• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing a countryside worker intermediate apprenticeship.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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 as a countryside ranger through National Parks and the National Land Based College.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of geography
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll usually:

• plan and create habitats to protect plants, animals and birds
• 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
• maintain machinery like chainsaws and mowers
• order materials, keep records and write reports

You could work in woodland or in a park.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.