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countryside conservation officer
Countryside/conservation officers are involved in the management, protection and improvement of the local environment. The work is varied, and can cover the following areas.
Landscape conservation, which may include:
- putting into practise schemes to conserve existing features, restore degraded landscapes or create new landscapes
- environmental impact assessments and field surveys
- promoting national and local initiatives
- advising farmers, landowners and developers.
- putting into practise schemes for the management, protection and creation of habitats
- developing and putting into practise local action plans as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
- advising farmers, landowners, and the public.
- promoting rights of way through publications and guided walks
- ensuring designated routes are adequately maintained and marked
- developing areas to attract visitors
- dealing with issues such as applications to divert rights of way
- developing access routes, such as cycle paths and routes suitable for pushchair and wheelchair users.
- organising/supporting activities and projects to encourage community participation
- organising, training and supporting volunteers and/or paid staff
- promoting conservation issues through talks, displays, workshops and literature
- encouraging schools to take part in 'environmental interpretation' – pond-dipping, tree identification walks etc.
The work also involves:
- keeping detailed records
- analysing data
- writing information leaflets and press releases
- preparing applications for funding
- assessing applications for funding from other organisations.
Hours and Environment
Countryside/conservation officers usually work 37.5 hours a week. This often includes making early starts or attending evening meetings. It may be necessary to work some weekends and public holidays. Temporary and seasonal work is often available.
Although the work is office-based, officers may spend a lot of time working outside in all weathers. They spend time travelling to meetings and to sites, so they usually need a driving licence.
Skills and Interests
To work as a countryside/conservation officer you should:
- have interest and enthusiasm for the countryside and conservation issues
- be confident and assertive
- be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
- be capable of making technical and scientific issues clear to a variety of people, both verbally and in writing
- be able to communicate effectively with individuals and with groups, through talks, presentations and meetings
- be tactful and diplomatic
- have good IT skills.
Entry
You will usually need a degree or BTEC/SQA HND/foundation degree in a subject such as:
- countryside/environmental management
- conservation and environment
- environmental sciences
- ecology
- geography.
If you already have a degree which is not in a relevant subject It could be an advantage to do a related postgraduate qualification.
For entry to a degree you will usually need:
- at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
- two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent qualifications such as AVCE/GSVQ Level III.
For entry to a BTEC/SQA HND/foundation degree you usually need:
- three GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3); and
- one A levels/two H grades, or the equivalent.
An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses.
Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
For most posts you will need practical work experience as well as qualifications. You may be able to get this is by volunteering with organisations such as:
- the Wildlife Trusts
- the Woodland Trust
- the National Trust
- British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
- Groundwork.
You should contact them for information about local opportunities. Details are in the Further Information section. Some of these organisations offer training for their volunteers.
It may be possible to get paid employment at a lower level and work your way up. For example, please see the Countryside Ranger/Warden profile.
Training
When you are employed as a conservation officer you can add to your skills and knowledge by taking courses such as those offered by the Field Studies Council and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. You can find details are on the organisations' websites. Please see Further Information.
You can work towards NVQs/SVQs in Environmental Conservation at levels 2 and 3.
Some employers support staff in undertaking continuous professional development (CPD), such as studying for a postgraduate qualification, which is often a requirement for senior posts.
It will be useful to join professional bodies such as the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) as this will give you professional recognition and opportunities for CPD and networking. Please see the Further Information section for contact details.
Opportunities
There are opportunities with:
- local government
- government agencies such as English Nature
- charitable trusts such as the National Trust and the Woodland Trust
- environmental consultancies.
There is a lot of competition for jobs.
With experience and further qualifications it may be possible to progress to become senior officer or countryside manager.
There may be opportunities to work overseas for national government and conservation organisations. Some officers move into lecturing, teaching or journalism.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Starting salaries are likely to be around £16,000 a year.
Experienced officers may earn over £30,000.
Further information
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
Mallard Way
Potteric Carr
Doncaster
DNL 8DB
Tel: 01302 388888
159 Ravenhill Road
Belfast
BT6 0BP
Tel: 028 9064 5169
Lordship Road
Writtle
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3RR
Tel: 01245 424116
One90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7BH
Tel: 0870 240 9800
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Site Disclaimer
The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice