Countryside Manager

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A career as a Countryside Manager

Countryside Managers are responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing areas of the countryside, including public access to these areas. They oversee conservation activities and use of areas such as parks, nature reserves, woodlands, historical sites, and the public access network.

Countryside Managers work with landowners to make sure the public can use the area easily, and wildlife experts to protect the area's plants and animals. Part of the role is to encourage people to use the countryside and promote awareness and understanding of the natural environment. Countryside Managers oversee staff recruitment and organise, supervise and train staff and volunteers.

Opportunities occur in rural areas throughout the UK - employers include local authorities, conservation bodies (such as the National Trust, National Trust of Scotland, RSPB, etc.), NatureScot, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and Ulster Wildlife.

Also known as: Conservation Manager

Skills/Knowledge

You’ll need:

  • excellent verbal communication skills

  • leadership experience to lead a diverse team

  • to use your initiative

  • analytical and reasoning skills

  • people and business management skills

  • to work well with and motivate others

  • customer service skills and be to handle complex issues

  • IT skills, keeping accurate records and compiling reports

  • to keep well-informed of developments in policy, legislation and national regulations.

A driving licence is an essential requirement - depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites, for meetings and to manage projects. A full DBS, Disclosure Scotland or Garda Vetting check may be required if the role involves working with children or vulnerable people.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills/qualifications and experience of the employee.

£28,000
Typical salaries
range from
£38,000
Typical Hours

Around 37-40 hours a week - this will vary depending on the season with early starts common in the summer months. Weekend and bank holiday work, late evenings and overtime is often required.

Day to Day

  • Making sure that the public can access and enjoy sites – this includes planning. creating and maintaining paths, cycle ways and picnic areas.

  • Liaise with landowners to ensure that the public can access sites freely

  • Educate the local community and raise awareness of environmental issues and nature conservation work

  • Research and secure grants, sponsorship or other forms of income. Plan, lead and gain support for fund-raising activities

  • Arrange educational activities such as classroom presentations and produce promotional material to keep visitors informed and market the site

  • Recruit, supervise and train staff and volunteers

  • Liaise with the media to publicise organisation or conservation sites and deal with enquiries from the public

Working Environment

Regardless of the season, work can physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers – you be provided with protective clothing (PPE). Some of your administrative and reporting work will take place in an office.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

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