Meet Liam, 25, from Shropshire, and find out about life as a catchment officer at the Wessex Rivers Trust. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
It's my job to help make the river a better place for biodiversity and wildlife.
- Liam's job combines his knowledge of aquatic science with his passion for fishing
- Liam preferred practical subjects and chose A-level Maths and a BTEC in Countryside Management at college
- His job is to restore riverbeds and floodplains and to keep water levels safe.
Liam's job focuses on rivers and river restoration. His job is similar to the role of a countryside officer. Countryside officers manage, protect and improve the rural environment.
What to expect if you want to be a countryside officer
- Countryside officer average salary: 拢19,000 to 拢34,000 per year
- Countryside officer typical working hours: 39 to 41 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a countryside officer?
You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 2 Diploma, a Level 3 Certificate or a T-level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production - England-only, from Sept 2023) or an intermediate apprenticeship for countryside workers or higher apprenticeship for countryside rangers. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept. Paid or unpaid work experience can be very useful when applying for jobs. Organisations like , the and offer training for volunteers.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.
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