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Countryside ranger

Do practical work to look after the countryside and conserve wildlife. Help visitors enjoy the natural environment.

Also known as: estate warden

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£385

Entry level

£538

Experienced

Monthly

£1,667

Entry level

£2,333

Experienced

Yearly

£20,000

Entry level

£28,000

Experienced

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would do practical work to look after the countryside and conserve wildlife and habitats.

You’d repair paths, fences and signs to assist people who visit the countryside. When you speak with the public and answer questions about the wildlife and landscapes you’d be able to convey your enthusiaism about the natural environment.

Your tasks might include:

  • planning and create habitats to conserve plants, animals and birds

  • planting trees, manage ponds and other practical tasks

  • doing field surveys to monitor changes in the environment

  • patrolling sites to help visitors and to discourage poaching or damage

  • giving talks and lead guided walks

  • managing exhibitions and resource centres

  • taking part in community projects

  • working with local landowners and businesses whose activities may affect the environment

  • keeping records and write reports

As you would be using tools ands and equipment you would need an awareness of health and safety issues.

You could specialise in habitat management, fieldwork or education, or focus on managing certain types of habitat such as waterways, coasts or moorlands.

Green job 

In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

Hours

You would usually work around 37 hours a week, which may include evenings and weekends. Weekend work could increase significantly during the main visitor season. Some jobs are part-time or seasonal.

Environment

You would spend some time in an office or visitor centre, but there would be a lot of active outdoor work. You would be outside in all weather conditions and do a lot of walking.

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • analysing
  • taking initiative
  • managing resources
  • developing a plan
  • social conscience
  • problem solving
  • written communication
  • verbal communication
  • cooperating
  • building relationships

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Biology

  • Environmental Science

  • Geography

  • Science in the Environment

  • Skills for Work: Rural Skills

  • Social Subjects

You would usually require relevant qualifications such as countryside management or environmental studies, at Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree level (SCQF level 9/10).

To enter a Higher National Certificate courses in Environmental Sciences requires three Highers at grade C or above (SCQF level 6).

To enter a Higher National Certificate courses for countryside management require the applicant to hold two Highers (SCQF level 6).

Entry to a relevant degree requires a minimum of three Highers or a suitable HNC/HND.

Qualifications and experience that demonstrate physical fitness and experience working with nature such as Skills for Work Rural Skills (SCQF level 4) or the John Muir Award.

  • A driving licence is often essential 

  • Relevant work experience is often essential 

  • A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check may be required.

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