Countryside ranger
Countryside rangers help protect the environment and support wildlife by looking after natural areas like forests, coastlines, wetlands, and parks.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a countryside ranger, 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
We've identified this as a 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
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- knowledge of geography
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of biology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- 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.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a countryside 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
You may be able to get into this job after doing a course at an agricultural or land based college.
Courses include:
- environmental and conservation skills
- countryside management
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to 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 3 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
You could get useful experience by volunteering through:
This may give you an advantage when looking for work.
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.
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 find more details about working in the countryside from The National Trust and Green Jobs for Nature.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.