Countryside officer

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for work as a countryside officer.

Relevant courses include:

• countryside or environmental management
• ecology and geography
• environmental studies
• plant biology
• 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may be able to start as a trainee countryside officer after completing a course at an agricultural college, such as:

• countryside studies
• 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This can take around two and half years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications

You may be able to join an organisation as a countryside ranger, or assistant officer, and work your way up through on-the-job training and promotion.

Volunteering is a good way to get practical experience, meet new people and develop your network of contacts.

You can find opportunities with:

• National Parks UK
• The Wildlife Trusts
• The Conservation Volunteers
• Countryside Jobs Service

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training.

Further Information

You can get more details about working in the countryside from:

• Lantra
• Grow Careers
• Green Jobs for Nature

As a countryside officer, you could:

• advise landowners on how to manage their land
• conduct environmental surveys, carry out research and analyse data
• manage staff and volunteers
• advise on and apply for funding
• promote the countryside at events, visitor centres and on social media

We've identified this as a green job

As a countryside officer, you'll manage leisure and recreational activities in a sustainable way. You'll also protect wildlife and natural habitats. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, in a park, in woodland or in the countryside.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.