You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for work as a countryside officer.

Relevant courses include:

• countryside or environmental management
• ecology and geography
• environmental studies
• plant biology
• 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

You may be able to start as a trainee countryside officer after completing a course at an agricultural college, such as:

• countryside studies
• countryside management
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a Countryside Ranger Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This can take around two and half years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You may be able to join an organisation as a countryside ranger, or assistant officer, and work your way up through on-the-job training and promotion.

Volunteering is a good way to get practical experience, meet new people and develop your network of contacts.

You can find opportunities with:

• National Parks UK
• The Wildlife Trusts
• The Conservation Volunteers
• Countryside Jobs Service

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of geography
• customer service skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

As a countryside officer, you could:

• advise landowners on how to manage their land
• conduct environmental surveys, carry out research and analyse data
• manage staff and volunteers
• advise on and apply for funding
• promote the countryside at events, visitor centres and on social media

We've identified this as a green job

As a countryside officer, you'll manage leisure and recreational activities in a sustainable way. You'll also protect wildlife and natural habitats. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, in a park, in woodland or in the countryside.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.