Countryside officer
Help protect the environment for future generations. Make it easy and enjoyable for people to visit the countryside and tell them about local wildlife.
About the job
What it's like
You would try to make it easy for people to enjoy spending time in the countryside. You’d improve access to interesting and beautiful places they’d enjoy visiting.
You’d explain scientific knowledge and facts in a way that’s easy to understand so they can learn more about nature and wildlife.
Your work would help to protect Scotland’s natural heritage - including woodlands, moors, rivers, hills, lochs and coastlines - for future generations.
You’d advise people who live and work in the countryside about how to manage, protect and improve the rural environment. For example, you’d persuade landowners to manage their land in ways that would conserve or increase the number of plants and animals living there.
You’d also advise about opening land to the public so everyone can enjoy the countryside.
Your tasks might include:
organising the upkeep of country parks and woodlands
making sure footpaths are clearly marked and litter bins and carparks are provided
producing resources like leaflets and information boards for the public
giving talks to local groups
supporting local environmental events, activities and projects
conducting surveys, carry out research and analyse data
write reports and deliver presentations
Comment on planning applications - for example, you’d assess how a new road or housing development might affect the environment
Deal with complaints about issues such as rights of way becoming overgrown
You would also keep detailed records, prepare applications for funding, and possibly assess funding applications from other organisations.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You would usually work around 37 hours a week. This could include early starts, especially during the summer. You may also be asked to work to cover evening meetings, weekends and public holidays. Temporary and seasonal work may be available.
Environment
You'll have an office base, although you would spend a lot of time visiting sites. You would be expected to work in most weather conditions.
Travel
You would spend a lot of time visiting sites.
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Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- ethical
- taking initiative
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- researching
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Environmental Science
Geography
Practical Craft Skills
Science in the Environment
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
You would usually require qualifications at Higher National Diploma level (SCQF level 8) or degree level (SCQF level 9/10) in relevant subjects such as:
Countryside/environmental management
Environmental sciences
Biology
Ecology
Geography
Entry to a Higher National Diploma course (SCQF level 8) usually requires two Highers.
Entry to a degree requires National 5s and at least four Highers (SCQF level 6).
Qualifications that show observation skills, the ability to work alone and an interest in the countryside such as Skills for Work Rural Skills (SCQF level 4) or the John Muir Award.
A driving licence is often essential.
Relevant work experience is often essential. Discover countryside volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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