Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series:  > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

A Gamekeeper is responsible for managing the countryside areas which are used for shooting and fishing. You will make sure that there is enough game such as deer, and birds like pheasant, partridge and grouse for clients to shoot and make sure that rivers are well-stocked with fish.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could start by doing a college course like Countryside Management (Gamekeeping) Level 3 or Land & Wildlife (City & Guilds Level 2). 

You can find colleges offering relevant courses through the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust.

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses:

• Easton College
• Suffolk Rural (Suffolk New College)

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in game and wildlife management.

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Work

You may be able to start as an assistant or underkeeper. With further training and experience you could work your way up to become a gamekeeper.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to have a full driving licence and for some jobs you'll need a firearms or shotgun certificate .

Career tips

You'll find it useful to get experience of countryside work by volunteering on an estate or park. You can contact organisations like The Conservation Volunteers, the Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust and National Parks for information about work experience opportunities.

Employers value experience of working outdoors and knowledge of the countryside. Practical skills like carpentry would also be useful.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could progress to head keeper.

You could also become self-employed by renting the shooting rights to land, or working as a contractor.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Countryside ranger
• Farmer
• Farm worker
• Fish farmer

Required Skills

• You will need to have a genuine interest in the countryside and conserving the woodlands, hedgerows and fields where the birds and animals live
• You will also need to be well organised
• be able to communicate effectively at all levels
• knowledge of public safety and security
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to work on your own

Salary Range

£14,000 to £20,000