Countryside officer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeship
University
You could complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- countryside or environmental management
- ecology and geography
- environmental science
- biology
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
- Level 3 Certificate in Countryside Management
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing one of the following Apprenticeships:
- Level 2 apprenticeship for countryside workers
- higher apprenticeship for countryside rangers
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Volunteering
Paid or unpaid work experience can be very useful when applying for jobs. Many organisations offer volunteering opportunities, for example:
The Conservation Volunteers, National Trust, and The Wildlife Trusts.
Countryside officer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- business management skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Countryside officer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- advise landowners on how to manage their land
- conduct surveys, carry out research and analyse data
- write reports and deliver presentations
- prepare funding applications
- deal with complaints
- organise the upkeep of country parks and woodlands
- advise on planning applications
- give talks to local groups
- produce resources like leaflets and display boards
- to promote countryside benefits
- support local environmental events, activities and projects
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a park or in woodland.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression - Countryside officer apprenticeships
With experience and further qualifications, you could become a senior countryside officer or manager and then regional manager.