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
Information not available
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of 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 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.
Hours
Environment
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Agriculture, forestry and fishing
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
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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
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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