Senior Conservation Officers work to manage conservation staff, contractors and volunteers who protect, manage and enhance landscapes, habitats and species, including woodland, grassland, wetland, moorland and possibly marine habitats.
The work of a Senior Conservation Officer is often varied, combining management and supervision with practical, planning and promotional tasks. Tasks can include:
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Strategic and practical management of the environment, nature reserves and other green spaces
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Preparing and implementing management plans
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Monitoring and surveying habitats and wildlife
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Informing about and promoting conservation issues to the public, colleagues and other stakeholders
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Organising, supervising, training and supporting paid staff and/or volunteers
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Maintaining effective records using computer database systems
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Preparing and applying for funding / grants
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Liaising with the media to publicise the organisation, conservation sites/objectives and events
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Dealing with enquiries from the public
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Conducting environmental education sessions to people of all ages
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Providing advice to clients, community groups, landowners, planners and developers
Senior Conservation Officers typically work around 37 hours a week, although early starts, weekend work and late evenings may be required.
Jobs are available in both rural and urban areas, often providing strategic, policy and technical advice to support the delivery of biodiversity targets, conservation management and habitat restoration. The office-based commitment is likely to be significant, although work outdoors in challenging conditions will also be required. The balance between field work and office-based work will vary considerably, with administrative, statistical analysis, staff management and report writing being an integral part of the role.
The work also requires considerable contact with landowners/ managers, nature conservation organisations, the public and, increasingly, with the media.
It is likely that the job will involve working at a number of different sites, therefore a full driving licence would be beneficial (often essential in order to meet the travelling requirements of the post).
While these figures are dependent on the employing organisation, geographic location and nature of the role, typical Senior Conservation Officer salaries range from £28,000 - £35,000 a year.
- Promote good standards of health and safety
- Collect and record data on landscapes and habitats
- Assist in the restoration of environments to acceptable conditions
- Negotiate specifications for environmental projects
- Monitor environmental change
- Prepare for field surveys
- Produce site management plans
- Deliver activities
- Initiate enforcement procedures to protect the environment
- Advise on environmental information and developments
- Produce an environmental policy
- Prepare to audit environmental performance
- Lead the work of volunteers
- Monitor and evaluate the management of land-based sites
- Manage information, knowledge and communications
- Maintain trees and woodland
- Manage natural populations of wild animals
- control pests and predators
- Introduce and establish animals into a natural habitat
- Maintain and develop procedures to prevent poaching and interference with animals
- Monitor and assess naturally occuring animal populations
- Read and understand maps and plans
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Analytical / Research Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Mediation / Negotiation Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Instruction / Training Skills
- Decision Making Skills
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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Improve your current skills
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Gain promotion
Many employers will require a Degree for entry into this career (although the value of vocational qualifications is increasingly being recognised), along with considerable relevant countryside management experience. Relevant qualifications include:
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FdSc Countryside Management
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The Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation
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National Diploma in Countryside Management
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National Certificate in Countryside Management
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BSc/ BSc (Hons) Countryside and Environmental Management
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BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation
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Diploma in Work Based Environmental Conservation (previously National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)) at Levels 2-4
Membership of professional bodies, such as the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) and the Countryside Management Association (CMA), can be a distinct advantage, affording excellent support and networking opportunities
The Field Studies Council (FSC) offers a range of identification and conservation management courses that will enhance the skills of anyone working or aspiring to work in this sector.
The Countryside Jobs Service (CJS) lists a vast array of opportunities in the volunteering and training sections of its website.
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Know what course you want? Search for a training course with Lantra’s CourseFinder
There are over 4,900 conservation organisations in the UK, employing about 56,000 people. In addition, it is estimated that there are around 200,000 volunteers working in conservation. These figures continue to grow each year and opportunities can be found in rural and urban areas. However, competition for senior positions can be intense and wide-ranging experience is essential. Formal academic qualifications are also required by many employers, as is a very diverse range of technical and generic business skills. Jobs can be found with local government and national agencies, including Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Local Authority Countryside Services and the Environment Agency. Charitable trusts, such as The Wildlife Trusts, BTCV and The National Trust may also have related opportunities. Vacancies are advertised directly through the local or national press and on company websites. There are also a number of countryside careers websites and publications that list job vacancies:
Websites:
* The Countryside Jobs Service can be viewed on-line, however it is recommended that you use the subscription service for a full list of employment opportunities
Magazines and Journals:
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Environment Post
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The Guardian (Wednesday)
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New Scientist
Senior Conservation Officers will continue to learn from experience, undertake training and continuous professional development, and may progress into management positions. Career development often depends on the size and structure of the employing organisation and progression may require moving to a different employer.
Senior Conservation Officers will almost certainly have management responsibility for paid staff, contractors and for volunteers and people management skills will be required. Management planning and policy skills are also necessary. Progression usually involves taking an increasingly office-based role, often moving from a 'hands-on' job to an advisory/ managerial one. Membership of an appropriate professional body can be a distinct advantage.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For general information relating to careers in the sector,you can contact Lantra on Tel: 024 7669 6996 or by e-mail environmentalconservation@lantra.co.uk
You can also find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Industry Information
Publications: