1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Countryside ranger

Countryside ranger

Alternative titles for this job include

Countryside rangers look after green spaces, woodlands and animal habitats that allow entry to the public.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become a countryside ranger

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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

More Information

College

You may be able to get into this job with a college course such as:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
  • Level 3 Diploma 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 2 Countryside worker
  • Level 4 Countryside ranger

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 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.

You can search for jobs and volunteering opportunities at Countryside Jobs Service

More Information

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • 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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Northern Nature Reserve Officer

  • Wage: £174.00 - £328.40 Weekly
  • Location: Carlisle

National Trust Assistant Ranger Apprenticeship, Level 2 Countryside Worker

  • Wage: £163.13 - £307.88 Weekly
  • Location: Ripon
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management Advanced Certificate (Level 3)

  • Provider: CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Enfield

Diploma Level 3 Countryside Management

  • Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Northampton
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.