Countryside officer
Make it easy and enjoyable for people to visit the countryside. Explain more to them about nature and wildlife and protect the environment for future generations.
Also known as: conservation officer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£423
Entry level
£654
Experienced
Monthly
£1,833
Entry level
£2,833
Experienced
Yearly
£22,000
Entry level
£34,000
Experienced
700
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
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 try to make it easy for people to enjoy spending time in the countryside. You’d improve access to interesting and beautiful places they’d enjoy visiting.
You’d explain scientific knowledge and facts in a way that’s easy to understand so they can learn more about nature and wildlife.
Your work would help to protect Scotland’s natural heritage - including woodlands, moors, rivers, hills, lochs and coastlines - for future generations.
You’d advise people who live and work in the countryside about how to manage, protect and improve the rural environment. For example, you’d persuade landowners to manage their land in ways that would conserve or increase the number of plants and animals living there.
You’d also advise about opening land to the public so everyone can enjoy the countryside.
You would:
Organise the upkeep of country parks and woodlands
Make sure footpaths are clearly marked and litter bins and carparks are provided
Produce resources like leaflets and information boards for the public
Give talks to local groups
Support local environmental events, activities and projects
Conduct surveys, carry out research and analyse data
Write reports and deliver presentations
Comment on planning applications - for example, you’d assess how a new road or housing development might affect the environment
Deal with complaints about issues such as rights of way becoming overgrown
You would also keep detailed records, prepare applications for funding, and possibly assess funding applications from other organisations.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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
- ethical
- taking initiative
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- researching
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
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Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Environmental Science
Geography
Practical Craft Skills
Science in the Environment
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
You would usually require qualifications at Higher National Diploma level (SCQF level 8) or degree level (SCQF level 9/10) in relevant subjects such as:
Countryside/environmental management
Environmental sciences
Biology
Ecology
Geography
Entry to a Higher National Diploma course (SCQF level 8) usually requires two Highers.
Entry to a degree requires National 5s and at least four Highers (SCQF level 6).
Qualifications that show observation skills, the ability to work alone and an interest in the countryside 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. Discover countryside volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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