Job Description
This job is part of our sustainability series: > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers
A Countryside Ranger works in areas used by the public to provide a safe and educational visit, they will plant and create habitats where wildlife will live and flourish to help attract new species, they will patrol the area they are responsible for to reduce crime, protect the wildlife and the public. They may create information boards to enable members of the public to understand the plants and wildlife in that particular area.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
College
You may be able to get into this job with a college course like a Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management.
You'll usually need 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 in Countryside Management:
Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a countryside worker intermediate apprenticeship, or an environmental conservation intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Search for an apprenticeship on the government apprenticeship site or find out more at National Parks UK.
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Relevant courses include:
- environmental studies
- rural resource management
- countryside management
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Click here to search for a suitable course.
Career Tips
A first aid qualification may help when applying for jobs.
You could get experience by volunteering with National Parks or conservation charities like The Wildlife Trusts. This will give you an advantage when you're looking for work.
You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training and to build up your contacts.
You can get more details about working as a countryside ranger through National Parks and the National Land Based College.
Career Path and Progression
You could join a professional body like the Countryside Management Association, which may improve your career prospects.
With experience, you could become a senior, district or head ranger or warden. You could also become a countryside officer.
Be sure to check out National Park Apprenticeships and how they could unlock a range of park careers for you.
Another option is to move into more specialised work like forestry or coastal area management, or wildlife conservation.
Required Skills
- You will need to be passionate about the countryside, its wildlife and conservation
- Have good interpersonal skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- Good IT and admin skills
- knowledge of biology
- to be flexible and open to change
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
Salary Range
£16,000 to £30,000
