Countryside Manager

Also known as:

Conservation Manager

Introduction

Countryside managers are responsible for managing, maintaining and developing areas of the countryside for use by the public. They are concerned with both the conservation and use of these areas.

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Work Activities

Countryside managers are responsible for managing, maintaining and developing areas of the countryside for use by the public. These areas may be country parks, nature reserves or woodlands.

Countryside managers encourage public interest and involvement in the countryside while planning and carrying out conservation plans.

Long-term development may involve discussions with local residents and winning the support of national organisations that are concerned with nature.

On a daily basis, managers supervise the construction and maintenance of amenities such as paths, fences and walls. They also carry out management duties such as recruiting, supervising and training staff, managing budgets and problem-solving. Countryside managers may spend a lot of time in an office, but they also visit sites.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

The work requires you to combine managerial, marketing and financial skills with knowledge of geology, climate, ecosystems, land and water forms, and plant and animal life.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salary rates for countryside managers vary depending on employer and the level/range of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Managers earn in the range of £16,000 - £21,500 a year, rising to £25,000 - £29,000. Higher earners can make around £30,000 - £42,000 a year.

Countryside managers work a basic 40-hour week. However, early starts, evening and weekend work may be required.

Employment opportunities are with local councils and conservation bodies such as the National Trust for Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and National Park Authorities.

Competition for posts is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Entrants often have relevant skills and abilities gained, for example, in leisure management, environmental or conservation work or town or country planning.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

The University of London (CEPED) offers a range of relevant postgraduate courses, by distance learning.

• 44% of people in occupations such as countryside management have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as conservation or countryside management.