1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Gamekeeper

Gamekeeper

Alternative titles for this job include

Gamekeepers manage habitats and wildlife in upland and lowland areas used for shooting and fishing.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 45 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a gamekeeper

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could take a Level 2 Certificate in Countryside and Environment, or a Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management.

A college course may help you when applying for a job as a gamekeeper.

You can find a list of colleges offering gamekeeper courses through the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust.

Entry requirements

You may 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

You could do an Underkeeper Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You might be able to start as an assistant gamekeeper or underkeeper. You can then work your way up to gamekeeper as you gain more experience and learn on the job.

Volunteering

It will be useful to get some volunteering experience, working in the countryside or on an estate.

You can find out about volunteering and work experience opportunities from:

More Information

Career tips

Some jobs include accommodation on the estate where you'll work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a gamekeeper from the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to work on your own
  • customer service skills
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

You'll need a firearms or shotgun certificate for some jobs.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a gamekeeper, you could:

  • organise shooting and fishing parties
  • manage staff and work and train gun dogs
  • breed birds to release on the land you manage
  • protect animals from poachers and predators
  • maintain habitats, using equipment and machinery

Working environment

You could work in a park, in woodland or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a head gamekeeper
  • work self employed or as a contractor
  • move into countryside estate management

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a gamekeeper right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

BTEC L3 FOUNDATION DIP COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT

  • Provider: BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Beverley

EdExcel L3 BTEC Foundation Dip (540) in Countryside Management

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Bridgwater
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

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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.