Page Content
Job profiles
Countryside officer
Hours
37 per week
Starting salary
£18,000 + per year
If you are passionate about the countryside and keeping it safe for future generations, this job might suit you.
As a countryside officer you would be involved in the management, protection and improvement of the local environment. You would also encourage people to visit the countryside and promote understanding of the need to protect the natural environment.
In this job you will need to be confident and assertive. You will need to get on well with people and be able to explain complex scientific issues in a way that is easy to understand.
Many countryside officers have relevant degrees, BTEC HNDs or foundation degrees, so you may have an advantage if you have this type of qualification. Competition for jobs is strong, so the more practical experience you can gain the better.
WorkDesc
The work
Your work would be varied, but would typically include:
- advising landowners on managing their land to maintain or enhance biodiversity and public access
- conducting surveys, carrying out research, analysing data, writing reports and delivering presentations
- dealing with complaints about issues such as overgrown rights of way
- organising the upkeep of country parks and woodlands
- making sure footpaths are clearly marked, and litter bins and car parks are provided
- commenting on planning applications - for example assessing the effects on the countryside of a new road or housing development
- giving talks to local groups
- producing interpretive resources like leaflets and information boards to help the public understand and enjoy the countryside
- advising on, organising or supporting local environmental events, activities and projects.
You would also deal with paperwork, keep detailed records, prepare applications for funding, and possibly assess funding applications from other organisations.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would usually work around 37 hours a week. This might include making early starts or attending evening meetings, and perhaps working some weekends and public holidays, especially during the summer. Temporary and seasonal work may be available.
Although you would be office-based, you may spend a lot of time visiting sites, which would involve being outside in most weather conditions.
IncomeDesc
Income
- Starting salaries can be around £18,000 a year
- Experienced officers can earn £30,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
Many countryside officers have relevant degrees, BTEC HNDs or foundation degrees, so you may have an advantage if you have this type of qualification. Relevant degree subjects include countryside/environmental management, environmental sciences, biology, ecology and geography.
To search for HND, foundation degree and degree courses see the UCAS website.
Vocational qualifications such as the Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation are increasingly valued by employers, although you will also be expected to have relevant practical experience. You could get this by volunteering with organisations such as the National Trust, BTCV, your local Wildlife Trust and Groundwork. Contact them for information about local opportunities, or look for voluntary opportunities advertised through the Countryside Jobs Service or environmentjob.co.uk 
. Some of these organisations offer training for their volunteers.
Competition for jobs is strong, so the more practical experience you can gain the better.
Another option could be to start in a more practical job such as a field or estate worker and progress to Countryside Officer, or to secure an Environmental Conservation Apprenticeship. For example, see the profile for Countryside Ranger.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
You can add to your skills and knowledge by taking courses like those offered by the Field Studies Council and the BTCV.
You could also work towards the Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation at levels 2 and 3.
Your employer may support you in continuous professional development (CPD), such as studying for a postgraduate qualification, which you may need for some senior jobs.
Joining professional bodies, such as the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), will give you professional recognition, and access to CPD and networking opportunities.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To be a countryside officer you will need to have:
- enthusiasm for the countryside, conservation and recreation issues
- confidence and assertiveness
- the ability to explain technical and scientific issues to a variety of audiences
- effective communication and 'people' skills
- tact and diplomacy
- good IT and record-keeping skills.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
More information
LGcareers
www.lgcareers.com
Lantra
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
www.lantra.co.uk
Natural England
1 East Parade
Sheffield
S1 2ET
Tel: 0845 600 3078
www.naturalengland.org.uk
National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)
45 Southgate Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9EH
Tel: 01962 868626
www.ieem.net
BTCV
Sedum House
Mallard Way
Potteric Carr
Doncaster
DNL 8DB
Tel: 01302 388883
www.btcv.org.uk
Groundwork UK
www.groundwork.org.uk
Field Studies Council
Preston Montford
Montford Bridge
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1HW
Tel: 0845 3454071
www.field-studies-council.org
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
You would often be employed by local authorities, but could also find jobs with government agencies such as Natural England, charitable trusts such as the National Trust and the Woodland Trust, and environmental consultancies.
With experience and further qualifications you may be able to progress to become a senior countryside officer or countryside manager.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
LMIData
Related industry information
Industry summary
The environmental conservation industry is part of the environmental and land‐based industries, represented by Lantra Sector Skills Council, which also includes the following industries: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land‐based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing. The sector as a whole currently employs 1,126,000 people (approximately 4% of the UK workforce) in around 230,000 businesses. In addition, there are an estimated 500,000 volunteers working in the sector on a regular basis. Approximately 42% of the workforce is self‐employed.
Environmental conservation is the conservation of landscapes, habitats and species alongside the management of public access, and includes:
- Rural and urban conservation
- Countryside recreation
- Rivers, coasts and waterways
- Heritage conservation
- Urban regeneration
- Environmental management
The industry also covers associated landscape management skills, at policy, planning and technical levels, together with the maintenance of rivers and waterways. Large organisations make up part of this industry, such as Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, BTCV, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, National Parks Authorities, Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust. Environmentalists provide advice and guidance to farmers, land managers and undertake impact assessments on potential industry and building developments.
Key facts:
- There are 23,000 people working in the industry, in approximately 3,250 businesses.
- There are around 200,000 volunteers working in the industry.
- 73% of businesses employ less than 10 staff, 22% employ between 10‐49 staff and 5% employ 50 or more staff.
- 84% of the workforce is employed full‐time.
- 90% of the workforce has a level 2 or above qualification.
Jobs in the industry include: access and recreation officer, estate manager, volunteer coordinator, ranger, countryside officer, waste management officer, conservation officer, biodiversity officer, ecologist, environmental management officer.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 1,250 employees in the regional workforce, in 200 around businesses.
East of England – There are an estimated 1,650 employees in the regional workforce, in around 250 businesses.
London – There are an estimated 2,400 employees in the regional workforce, in around 350 businesses.
North East – There are an estimated 900 employees in the regional workforce, in around 150 businesses.
North West – There are an estimated 2,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
South East – There are an estimated 2,550 employees in the regional workforce, in around 350 businesses.
South West – There are an estimated 1,250 employees in the regional workforce, in around 400 businesses.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 1,950 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 1,450 employees in the regional workforce, in around 200 businesses.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 150 businesses.
Scotland – There are an estimated 2,800 employees in the regional workforce, in around 400 businesses.
Wales – There are an estimated 2,050 employees in the regional workforce, in around 300 businesses.
[N.B. Data derived from Experian National Surveys Database, 2008 and Labour Force Survey, 2008.]
Career paths
Further sources
View full Job market information
News
