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Countryside ranger
Countryside rangers look after green spaces, woodlands and animal habitats that are open to the public.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£28000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a 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
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/
College
You may be able to get into this job after doing a course at an agricultural or land based college.
Courses include
environmental studies and conservation, countryside management, T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 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
Apprenticeship
You could 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 2 and a half 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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering
You could get useful experience by volunteering through:National Parks UK, The Wildlife Trusts, The Conservation Volunteers, Countryside Jobs Service
This may give you an advantage when looking for work.
Direct Application
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.
More Information
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 get more details about working in the countryside from the National Trust.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Customer service skills
    Knowledge of biology
    The ability to work well with others
    Knowledge of geography
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    To be flexible and open to change
    Legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
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.
Working environment
You could work in woodland or in a park.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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