Countryside ranger Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a countryside ranger, your work could include:

• planning and creating habitats to conserve plants and animals
• tree planting, pond management and other practical tasks
• making sure that footpaths, bridleways and waterways meet health and safety recommendations
• carrying out field surveys to detect changes in the environment
• patrolling sites to help visitors and to discourage poaching or damage to the environment
• giving talks
• managing exhibitions and resource centres
• leading guided walks
• taking part in community projects
• working with local landowners and businesses whose activities may affect the environment
• keeping records and writing reports.

You could specialise in a particular area such as habitat management, fieldwork or education, or in certain types of habitat such as waterways, coasts or moorlands.

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.

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.

Income

In local authorities, rangers can earn from around £18,000 to over £25,000 a year. Senior Rangers can earn over £30,000 a year.

Salaries with other employers vary considerably.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

Before starting work as a countryside ranger you will usually need a relevant qualification and work experience. A good way to get experience is by volunteering with organisations such as:

• a Wildlife Trust
• the National Trust
• BTCV
• the Forestry Commission
• Groundwork UK.

See organisations' websites for details. Some run training courses for their volunteers.

The qualifications you need before starting a paid job will vary depending on the employer and the amount of experience you have. Relevant qualifications include:

• BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Countryside Management
• BTEC HNC/HND in Environmental Conservation
• Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation
• Environmental Conservation Apprenticeship
• foundation degrees in subjects such as countryside management and conservation
• degrees in subjects such as countryside management, rural environmental management, conservation and environment, or environmental studies.

For all courses you should check entry requirements with individual colleges or universities.

To search for foundation degree, HND and degree courses, see the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

• UCAS

You may be able to start this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area. To find out more, see the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Training and development

As a new ranger, you will usually receive on-the-job training. You may also be able to work towards the Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation at levels 2 and 3.

At all stages of your career, you can add to your skills and knowledge by doing short courses. For example, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and the Field Studies Council (FSC) offer courses in specialist skills such as coppicing, species identification and habitat management, and in general subjects such as IT and office skills, and working with communities. See the BTCV and FSC websites for details.

• British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
• FSC

As a member of the Countryside Management Association (CMA) you will be able to go to regional and national training and study days, and gain professional accreditation through a programme of continuing professional development (CPD). See the CMA website for details.

• Countryside Management Association

Skills and knowledge

To be a countryside ranger, you should have:

• an interest in the natural environment
• enthusiasm for and knowledge of environmental and public access issues
• the ability to work as part of a team as well as alone
• practical skills for using tools and equipment
• good communication skills and tact
• awareness of health and safety
• people skills.

More information

LGcareers (local government careers)
www.lgcareers.com

Lantra
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
www.lantra.co.uk

Wildlife Trusts
www.wildlifetrusts.org

National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Groundwork UK
www.groundwork.org.uk

BTCV
Sedum House
Mallard Way
Potteric Carr
Doncaster
DNL 8DB
Tel: 01302 388883
www.btcv.org.uk

Forestry Commission
www.forestry.gov.uk

Countryside Management Association (CMA)
Writtle College
Lordship Road
Writtle
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3RR
Tel: 01245 424116
www.countrysidemanagement.org.uk

Opportunities

You will find most jobs with local authorities, including National Park Authorities. Other employers include the Forestry Commission and organisations like the National Trust, RSPB and local wildlife trusts. There are also many paid seasonal and volunteering opportunities.

Once you have experience, you could progress to senior, district or head ranger/warden. You could also move into other jobs in conservation, countryside management, public access or the environment, perhaps after taking further qualifications.

You may find the following websites useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):

• Countryside Jobs Link
• LG Jobs
• Countryside Jobs Service

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.

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