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Countryside officers manage, protect and improve the rural environment.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays;
As a countryside officer, you could:
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.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for work as a countryside officer.
Relevant courses include:
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start as a trainee countryside officer after completing a course at an agricultural college, such as:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do a Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around two and half years to complete.
You'll usually need:
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:
You'll need to:
You could join the Countryside Management Association for professional development training.
You can get more details about working in the countryside from:Lantra; Grow Careers; Green Jobs for Nature
With experience and further qualifications, you could:become a senior officer, countryside manager or estate manager; move into forestry management or wildlife conservation; work in leisure and tourism in the National Parks