Nature conservation officer

Nature conservation officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical job responsibilities include:

• managing conservation awareness events such as talks, workshops and guided walks
• helping with volunteer activities and conservation projects
• general administration
• preparing conservation reports, plans, publicity materials and displays
• fieldwork
• general maintenance projects
• developing visitor attractions
• wildlife observation
• species surveys.

Working with the public is a key feature of the job

Typical employers of conservation officers

• charities
• The National Trust
• local authorities
• utilities
• wildlife trusts
• government organisations
• conservation groups such as The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Nature conservation is a popular career choice and there is significant competition for vacancies. Vacancies appear in newspapers, local authority vacancy lists and publications such as New Scientist, Nature, Opportunities and Environment Post. Many jobs receive little advertising, so networking, job shadowing and speculative applications are advisable. Unpaid opportunities are easier to obtain than salaried positions.

Qualifications and training required

An appropriate degree gained in a subject such as biology, zoology, geography, botanical or plant sciences, or environmental sciences is essential. Postgraduate qualifications can also be useful - particularly for graduates without a relevant degree. Relevant work experience is essential.

Key skills for conservation officers

• computer literacy
• excellent interpersonal skills
• persistence
• commitment