Land manager
Play a vital role in protecting our environment and creating sustainable spaces so people and wildlife can thrive.
Also known as: estates manager
About the job
What it's like
Land managers take care of large pieces of land. This can mean a farm, forest or even a city park.
You must have the confidence and experience of managing a number of businesses at the same time, preparing budgets and delivering plans.
It’s important to keep up to date with changes in agricultural regulations and environmental and conservation planning, local planning activity and public access issues.
You could work for different types of conservation employers:
private companies that are for-profit
third sector organisations, like charities, that are not-for-profit
government for public service
Your tasks might include:
arranging the upkeep of agricultural land, woodlands, drainage and roads on the estate
managing the businesses, such as farms or forestry
organising rent collections from tenants
planning money-making developments like converting part of the estate for leisure purposes
considering environmental and conservation matters when planning changes
managing budgets and dealing with paperwork
keeping up to date with agricultural and environmental regulations
recruiting, training and managing staff
Green job
In this job you’ll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You could work from 35 to 50 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday. However, the hours can vary depending on the time of year and the specific tasks that need to be done. For example, during the busy spring and summer months, land managers may need to work longer hours or on weekends to plant crops, maintain gardens or manage livestock.
Environment
Land managers need to be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, depending on the type of land management. Outdoors can include forests, parks or other natural areas, in all weather conditions. Indoors can include offices, warehouses or workshops.
Travel
You may spend time travelling around an estate, supervising the work that’s going on outside. This depends on the type of land management you’re doing.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- land tenure
- land management
- forestry
- property rights
- network security
- electric power transmission
- acquisition processes
- photovoltaic systems
- facility management
- grid connections
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- making decisions
- taking responsibility
- time management
- problem solving
- listening
- verbal communication
- managing resources
- negotiating
- developing a plan
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:
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
Environmental Science
Biology
Business Management
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification. Subjects related to the environment and sustainability are very useful, such as:
rural business management
wildlife and conservation management
sustainable rural development
environmental management
sustainability and environmental studies
Other subjects which could be helpful for this career include:
agricultural science
environmental science
business management
What you need to enter a degree course will vary depending on the subject and university. For an environmental science degree, you'll likely need:
at least three or four Highers at B or better, including science subjects
at least two Advanced Highers at B
National 5 qualifications in at least one science subject
Some universities will have higher entry requirements, these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
environmental science
physics
sciences
geography
What you'll need for a college course will depend on the qualification level, subject and college. As a guide, for an HND in Environmental Management, you'll likely need one or two Highers at C or better, including a relevant science-based subject.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you break into the environmental sector. Search for opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Find more volunteering through:
You can join the Society for the Environment or another environmental membership body. This can help you make professional contacts and find training.
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