A career in environmental conservation

Environmental Conservation

GREEN CAREERS

No Two Days the Same scotland.lantra.co.uk

Why work in Environmental Conservation?

Scotland’s biodiversity is under threat.

Changes in how we use the land, as well as climate change and other environmental pressures are placing many of our native species at risk.

Environmental conservation is how we describe managing landscapes, the habitats they provide and the species that live in rural, coastal, marine and urban areas. Giving people access to these areas for recreation is vital for their physical and mental health and well-being, but it’s also important to raise awareness and understanding of sustainable land management, biodiversity and climate change.

We need to do more to protect Scottish wildcats, red squirrels and capercaillies, as well as butterflies and other insects. Landscapes and habitats in rural and urban areas are great places for local communities and visitors to go and find out more about our environment, but must be looked after.

Being part of this exciting industry could see you working in local parks, nature reserves and in sustainable land management, or improving access to some of our most beautiful countryside. You might also get involved in climate change issues and conserving species in different countries.

If that sounds like you, then the natural world could do with your help!

People who work in environmental conservation often start out their careers just wanting to protect the environment, to help others understand and enjoy it, get a buzz from science, like working outdoors or just want to help find answers to the big environmental challenges that we’re facing.

…agriculture, forestry and fisheries, stable natural hydrological cycles, fertile soils, a balanced climate and numerous other vital ecosystem services can only be permanently secured through the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity.

Sigmar Gabriel

If that sounds like you, then the natural world could do with your help!

How do I get started?

Be part of the solution!

The good news is that conservation is a professional industry which needs people with a wide range of skills and experience.

There are many types of jobs available, working for organisations, like the Woodland Trust, the John Muir Trust, Trees for Life, the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, the RSPB, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland, National Park Authorities, Local Authorities and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

And if you work or volunteer in this sector, helping habitat and species conservation, there are benefits for you too. Not only can it be good for your physical and mental health, it’s a great way to meet new people and become part of a wider community where everyone shares the same interests.

Volunteering, part-time, seasonal work or gaining qualifications from college or university shows your commitment and can help you make some great contacts for finding work in the future.

And as our landscapes, laws and science change over time, you need to be flexible too. You might start off as a volunteer warden with your local council, but end up working as a senior ecologist on the other side of the world, developing new skills and understanding as you do so.

If you’re willing to work hard and learn throughout your career, the opportunities are out there waiting for you.

Skills you might need include things that can be useful in any career, like communications, literacy, numeracy, IT and customer care. Then there will be some things that relate to your job, like running projects, identifying and managing native and non-native species, marine conservation, education, fundraising and risk assessment. Depending on the level you work at, you might also need to know about managing staff and the wider environmental strategy of your organisation.

Have a look at some examples of jobs on the next page for inspiration

Volunteering is an excellent way of enhancing your skills outwith work or study, and can help your career prospects

The National Park Authorities in Scotland play a vital role in enhancing and protecting landscapes, while also educating visitors and encouraging them to enjoy their surroundings responsibly

Landowners can reduce their environmental impact on soils, water and biodiversity by working in partnership with conservationists

Environmental Conservation Career Options Here are some of the jobs you could be doing in our industry.

// LANDSCAPES, HABITATS, SPECIES CONSERVATION

// ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Habitat Surveyor Ecologist Estate Worker Nature Reserve Manager

Environmental Policy Officer Flood Risk Manager

// PUBLIC ACCESS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, RECREATION Access Path Worker Countryside Ranger

Routes into a Career in Environmental Conservation Depending on your current skills and experience, you could enter at different levels.

JOB LEVEL

SENIOR ROLES

SCQF LEVEL

TRAINING AND COURSES

12

Doctorate

11

Masters | Graduate Apprenticeship

10

Honours Degree | Graduate Apprenticeship

9

Degree | Graduate Apprenticeship

8

HND Wildlife and Conservation Management | Graduate Apprenticeship HND Environmental Management | Technical Apprenticeship Scottish Vocational Qualification

7

HNC Countryside and Environmental Management | Modern Apprenticeship HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management PDA Ecological Surveying | HNC Environmental Management Scottish Vocational Qualification in Environmental Conservation

6

NQ Countryside Skills and Deer Management for Conservation | Higher Foundation Apprenticeship | Scottish Vocational Qualification in Estate Management Modern Apprenticeship | Land-based Workplace Skills Award

5

NQ Countryside Skills with Ranger Training | NPA Rural Skills NC Countryside Management | Modern Apprenticeship | National 5 Scottish Vocational Qualification | Certificate in Estate Skills Land-based Workplace Skills Award

4

NC Rural Skills | National 4 | Skills for Work: Rural Skills Land-based Workplace Skills Award | Land-based Studies Certificate

3

Access to Land-based Industries

SUPERVISORY ROLES

SUPERVISED ROLES

Making a difference

Hanna Rennie:

Julia Duncan:

I’d always been interested in the outdoors, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I began to think about a career in countryside management.

We look after the estate so that it can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and the best thing about my job is finishing a guided walk with happy visitors, especially younger people who always ask the best questions!

While working in tourism in Germany, I saw the effect that growing numbers of visitors were having on the natural environment. It really struck me how important conservation management is to us all, so that got me interested in sustainable tourism.

I get a real satisfaction when people get to know me as ‘the ranger’.

They should feel comfortable having a chat with us or when they come back to ranger activities each year. I always like a smile and a wave when passing folk on the trails.

After moving back to Scotland, I decided I wanted to make a career out of protecting the amazing natural heritage that we’re internationally famous for. I’m passionate about doing something to reduce the effects of climate change and to protect species and habitats that are under threat, so I went to Scotland’s Rural College and did an HND in Countryside Management.

“There’s nothing else I would rather be doing”

Seasonal Ranger

“It’s really rewarding to be part of this industry” I’m now working as a seasonal ranger near Edinburgh. It’s a great experience and giving me the chance do a huge range of things: working with volunteers, conducting wildlife surveys, maintaining habitats on site, helping out with events and generally engaging with the public. Every day really is different.

Estate Ranger

Locals and visitors increasingly need time in the outdoors for their wellbeing, and it’s great if rangers can facilitate that, educating people and building confidence along the way.

My role is quite varied but the most important part is getting out on the estate and see what’s going on. In summer the focus is on visitor management and delivering outdoor activities. The rest of the year is more about practical tasks and planning, getting round the paths and tracks to survey their condition.

I absolutely love it and there’s nothing else I would rather be doing.

It is a privilege to live and work here, taking care of the estate for the next generation.

Volunteering has been a really important part of my life and career, as it’s allowed me to gain new skills and meet new people. You’re showing potential employers what you can do, and it definitely helped me get my current job.

It’s really rewarding to be a part of an industry in which your passion and interest for making a difference can go a long way.

Find out more For information on training and qualifications available, email scotland@lantra.co.uk or call 01738 310 164. www.scotland.lantra.co.uk www.myworldofwork.co.uk @lantrascotland @lantrascotland @lantra.scotland

GREEN CAREERS

Lantra in Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government Updated October 2022