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Countryside ranger

Alternative titles for this job include

Countryside rangers look after green spaces, woodlands and animal habitats that are open to the public.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a countryside ranger

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a ranger job.

Relevant courses include:

  • environmental studies
  • rural resource management
  • countryside management
  • conservation

Entry requirements

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

More Information

College

You may be able to get into this job after doing a course at an agricultural or land based college.

Courses include:

  • environmental studies and conservation
  • countryside management
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

You'll usually 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Countryside Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These take between 1 and 2 and a half years to complete.

Entry requirements

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You could get useful experience by volunteering through:

This may give you an advantage when looking for work.

Direct Application

You could apply for a position as an assistant ranger in a national park or with an organisation like the National Trust. Once working, you may be offered the opportunity to do further training to become a ranger.

You'll be expected to have some paid or voluntary experience of working in the countryside or conservation, and a love of working outdoors.

More Information

Career tips

A first aid qualification may help when applying for jobs.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training and to build up your contacts.

Further information

You can get more details about working in the countryside from the National Trust.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of biology
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of geography
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

A driving licence may be required for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • plan and create habitats to protect plants, trees, animals and birds
  • lead guided walks, exhibition talks and educational visits
  • inspect sites, monitor wildlife and report findings
  • supervise assistant rangers and volunteers in daily tasks
  • encourage community involvement in conservation projects
  • operate machinery and equipment, and use hand and power tools

Green job

As a countryside ranger, you can work on tree planting schemes to help reduce the effects of flooding. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in woodland or in a park.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a head ranger, countryside officer or estate manager
  • move into more specialised work like forestry, coastal management or wildlife conservation

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Countryside Worker Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location: EASTWELL ROAD, SCALFORD, MELTON MOWBRAY

Courses In England

Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management Advanced Extended Certificate (Level 3)

  • Provider: CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Enfield

Environmental Studies and Conservation Level 3

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2024
  • Location: Guildford

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