Nature Conservationist

Nature conservationists are responsible for the practical management of the countryside. They develop policies to preserve and protect the countryside, to develop awareness and understanding and to encourage visitors.

The Work

You could be:

• identifying plants and wildlife and recording where they are found


• leading and managing staff and volunteers to repair damage to plants and wildlife


• investigating how developments in agriculture and industry affect the local environment through such factors as fertilisers in the soil and waste in rivers


• working out the effects of developments such as motorways, and advising other professionals such as planners and landscape architects


• making sure people observe countryside and environmental regulations


• researching and writing reports and preparing information leaflets


• giving talks and presentations to other specialists and to the public, running training courses and organising exhibitions


• applying for grants and funding.

Conditions

• You would be based in an office or other centre, but much of the work is outdoors.


• Outdoor work can be wet, cold or windy and you may have to do some physical work.


• You may have to travel to a number of different sites on a regular basis.


• The work can include irregular hours, evenings and weekends.


• Part-time and seasonal work are sometimes available.

Getting In

• Entry to this job can be very competitive.


• You normally need a degree in conservation, countryside management, ecology, environmental science, rural resource management or a similar subject.


• Entry requirements for a degree are 3-5 Highers plus Standard grades. Relevant subjects include maths, sciences or geography.


• It can help to have a postgraduate degree in a relevant environmental subject.


• Previous work experience in the countryside, including voluntary work, is very useful. For some jobs it is essential.


• You may need a full, clean driving licence.


• You should be fit as there may be a lot of active work.


• You should not suffer from hay fever or be allergic to animals.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• a strong interest in conservation and the natural environment


• a logical and scientific approach


• good spoken and written communication skills


• tact and diplomacy.

• willing to work outdoors in cold, wet or windy weather


• alert and observant


• able to work both on your own and as part of a team


• practical and able to use hand tools and equipment.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on-the-job.


• You would attend short courses, training sessions and conferences to keep up-to-date with new developments.
  
• Scottish National Heritage runs short training courses for people working in jobs related to the environment.


• The Field Studies Council runs professional development courses for environmental professionals.


• You may study part-time for a postgraduate degree if you don't already have one.


• You may also aim for membership of a relevant professional body.

Getting On

• With experience, you may be able to gain promotion to a senior post in a government agency or voluntary body.


• You could become an adviser to wildlife or conservation trusts or other environmental organisations.


• You could move into teaching or lecturing or develop a new career in environmental journalism.


• There can be opportunities abroad with national governments and national and international conservation organisations.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.