Countryside ranger
Career outlook for countryside ranger
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£20,000
£20,000
Experienced
£28,000
£28,000
Currently employed in Scotland
Information is unavailable
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it 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.
You would:
- Plan and create habitats to conserve plants, animals and birds
- Plant trees, manage ponds and other practical tasks
- Do field surveys to monitor changes in the environment
- Patrol sites to help visitors and to discourage poaching or damage
- Give talks and lead guided walks
- Manage exhibitions and resource centres
- Take part in community projects
- Work with local landowners and businesses whose activities may affect the environment
- Keep 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.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
66%
Part-time
21%
Self employed
13%
Create a qualification route
We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeSearch course options
Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.
Find coursesSearch job opportunities
If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.
Find a jobTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Building relationships
- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Problem solving
- Social conscience
- Developing a plan
- Managing resources
- Taking initiative
- Analysing
Skills Explorer
Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Qualifications
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.
Useful subjects
- Maths (required by most courses)
- Science subjects - biology or environmental science preferred (required by most courses)
- English
- Social studies such as psychology
You will also need
- A driving licence is often essential
- Relevant work experience is often essential
- A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check may be required.
Helpful to have
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.