|
Animals, Land and Environment
Environmental and Rural Resource Management
‘I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?’ (Robert Redford, American actor, at Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985)
Work in this career sector involves managing the countryside so that members of the public can enjoy it but not cause damage to plants or harm wildlife stocks.
Countryside rangers and nature conservationists help and encourage visitors to learn more about the rural environment. Gamekeepers make sure there are animals, birds and fish for sportsmen and women to shoot or catch. In all of these jobs you would lead groups of people in the countryside.
These jobs need people who are practical, observant and genuinely interested in the countryside. You should be prepared to work outside in all weathers. You should be able to get on well with, and communicate with, visitors and sportsmen and women from all backgrounds, and be able to take charge in any emergency out of doors. You should be able to work, and lead groups of visitors, on your own.
Entry to all of these jobs is competitive. You need experience and, usually, qualifications. There are qualifications at various levels from National Certificate (NC) and National Qualification (NQ), Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) up to degree level. Countryside rangers and nature conservationists usually have a higher level qualification while gamekeepers might start with an NC. In all cases it is important to have experience of work in the countryside, perhaps as a volunteer, or possibly in agriculture or forestry.
|