Estate or land managers oversee the day to day running of estates. They manage farm(s) or other types of property to ensure they are running effectively and are profitable. They may also be called rural estate managers or land agents.

The Work

You could be:

• arranging the maintenance of buildings, agricultural land, woodlands, drainage and roads on the estate
• managing the businesses, such as farms or heritage estates, and other businesses such as forestry or leisure
• organising rent collection from tenants
• planning money-making developments like converting part of the estate for tourism or leisure purposes
• considering environmental and conservation matters when planning changes
• managing budgets and dealing with important paperwork, including farm tax and insurance and applying for grants and subsidies
• keeping up to date with changes in agricultural and environmental regulations
• recruiting, training and managing staff.

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.

Starting salaries for estate or land managers in Scotland vary considerably, but tend start at around £20,000 a year. With experience, salaries can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 a year, with higher salaries reaching up to £50,000 or more for those managing large or several estates. In some cases, you may get rent-free accommodation as part of your package.

Conditions

• You could work for a major organisation which owns large areas of land or property, for an agricultural surveying company or for an individual landowner.
• You would be based in an office on the estate.
• However, you would also spend a good deal of your time travelling around the estate, supervising the work that is going on.
• The hours of work can vary according to the time of the year, and you may have to work some evenings and weekends or be on call at these times.
• You could be outdoors in all weathers and the conditions might be wet, cold and dirty.
• You must sometimes wear protective clothing.
• You may have to live in a house on the estate.

Useful Subjects

• Business Management
• Environmental Science

Getting In

• Competition for jobs can be fierce.
• For some jobs you need to be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• You can study for the RICS examinations either with a diploma or degree. Diplomas or degrees in certain subjects may give exemption from some RICS examinations.
• You can study for an HNC (SCQF Level 7), HND (SCQF Level 8) or a degree (SCQF Levels 9/10) in agriculture, rural resource management, land management, countryside management, sustainable rural development or rural business management.
• Entry requirements for an HNC or HND are 1-2 Highers and for a degree are 4-5 Highers.
• You may also be able to get in at a junior level through the Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills (SCQF Levels 6/7) or Rural Skills Estate Maintenance pathway (SCQF Level 5).
• You can also complete a Higher Level Technical Apprenticeship in Rural Land Use and Management (SCQF Level 8).
• You need to hold a full driving licence.
• It can help if you have previous experience in agriculture, heritage or conservation.

You can find work with private landowners, local authorities or national trusts or conservation bodies.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

12781

0 %

FALL

2029

12775

  United Kingdom

2024

201516

4.7 %

RISE

2029

210945

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• good at planning and organising
• confident and able to make good judgements
• able to analyse and interpret data
• tactful and able to get on with a wide range of people
• an effective manager and leader
• flexible and adaptable.

You should have:

• project management skills
• commercial awareness
• IT skills
• excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on the job with an employer.
• If doing a Modern Apprenticeship, you would complete the SVQ in Rural Skills at SCQF Level 6/7 or Rural Skills (Estate Maintenance) at SCQF Level 5.
• You would attend relevant short courses and training sessions.
• If you already have a diploma or degree, you might take a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• You can study part time for the examinations of the RICS and professional qualification as a chartered surveyor.

Getting On

• Qualifying as a chartered surveyor can help you progress more quickly in your career and you might move into rural practice surveying.
• It can help if you are able to move around the country to gain experience.
• In time, you may be able to take on a job managing a number of estates.
• With experience and appropriate qualifications you may be able to move into advisory work, for example with the Environment Department of the Scottish Government.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.