What the job involves
As a countryside officer, you would help protect and manage the natural environment while promoting sustainable access to the countryside.
The role involves advising landowners on conservation and land management, carrying out environmental surveys and research, managing projects, staff and volunteers, securing funding, maintaining footpaths and other facilities such as car parks and litter bins, and engaging the public through events, visitor centres and social media.
By protecting wildlife and natural habitats, countryside officers play an important role in supporting environmental sustainability.
Personal qualities
This role is ideal for those who are passionate about nature and the great outdoors and are happy working outside at all times of the year.
You should have good communication skills, be organised and able to plan effectively. You should work well as part of a team and be confident in leading a team as your work is likely to involve managing volunteers and other members of staff.
Working conditions
You will usually work around 37 hours a week. This could include unconventional hours in the evenings and at weekends.
The work is physically demanding and will usually require you working outside for large parts of the day. This means you will need to adapt to working in all weather conditions.
Qualifications and training
There are a variety of qualifications at differing levels available to those wishing to work in the countryside. Entry into such jobs is often competitive so a formal qualification which reflects your knowledge and skills, alongside practical experience, will help strengthen your application.
For those looking for their first qualification to give them a solid grounding in countryside practices and principles may wish to consider a qualification such as the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment.
In addition to qualifications and experience, you will need a full driving licence.
Getting into the profession
Relevant work experience and qualifications will help you a great deal as job positions are often limited and competitive. You could look for opportunities to volunteer at local parks or conservation charities for additional experience.
There are several places to look for jobs, including:
- National Trust
- Countryside Jobs Service
- The Wildlife Trusts
- Local newspapers
- Online job sites
Salary and benefits
As a countryside officer you could expect to earn around £22,000 – £34,000* a year.
*National Careers Service July 2026. Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Progression
As you gain experience you could become a senior countryside officer or manager, or look at branching out into a specialist area such as forestry.
