The nation's forests are some of the best places to spot wildlife. Forestry England are one of the largest managers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England, which are home to some of the country's rarest wildlife.
A wildlife ranger helps to protect and conserve wildlife in the nation's forest. Working closely with the land management team, particularly forest managers, to provide resilient landscapes where wildlife can thrive.
What it takes
A wildlife ranger works closely with the forester manager to ensure the health of the nation’s woodlands. The role is varied and contains an element of unsociable hours and working in all weathers. The role includes:
wildlife conservation management: carrying out ecological surveys, habitat management, species reintroduction projects and predation control.
managing wild populations of deer and understanding their impact upon the ecosystems.
working in partnership and building links with external agencies, such as conservation bodies, on woodland design to improve forest ecosystems.
engaging with the public and encouraging responsible behaviour.
having a high level of understanding for firearm security and safety.
Skills and qualifications
We recommend that you gain experience and certificates where you can, for example volunteering to gain practical knowledge, completing a relevant college course or apprenticeship and achieving appropriate certificates such as Level 1 and 2 Deer Stalking certificate and Firearms certificate .
You can get into this job through:
a college course.
an apprenticeship.
volunteering and gaining experience.
applying directly.
Forestry England's shadow volunteer and trainee programmes.
College
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed in this job. Courses include:
environmental studies and conservation.
countryside management including ecology.
T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job by completing an apprenticeship. Discover more about apprenticeships at Forestry England.
Salary
Starting from £25,000.
Typical hours
37 - 44 hours per work including weekend and evening work.
Forestry England offers flexible working patterns where appropriate and lots of other great benefits to support a healthy work/life balance.
How you can grow with us
Your career could progress into:
- management roles - overseeing operations, environment, wildlife manager.
- head of environment and nature recovery.
- specialist roles like conservation translocations officer, forest wildlife programme.
Applying to work at Forestry England
Check out Civil Service jobs for all our current vacancies.
Our frequently asked questions will help in your application.
