Scottish Countryside Rangers are wild at heart. They have knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for conservation and the natural environment.

The role of a Countryside Ranger requires:

  • good people skills
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • a good communicator and listener
  • a sense of adventure
  • a love of the outdoors

Daily activities are varied and involve interacting with people from all age groups and walks of life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and develop on the job, whilst looking after Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife.

Getting started

To get a real sense of whether the role is right for you, the best place to start is to volunteer with your local Ranger Service.

You’ll be able to:

  • experience where the Rangers work
  • find out about projects they are involved in
  • find out the qualifications you will need
  • discover the opportunities that are available

Let potential sponsors know about your ambitions, as they can offer invaluable advice and act as a referee on your CV.

Finding your role

Ranger jobs are advertised via:

Show your passion, try different options, find your niche and demonstrate your skills. A friendly, proactive attitude will stand you in good stead.

The interview

If you are successful in being invited for interview, use this as an opportunity to meet the team and the other candidates. You’ll get a better idea of the job on offer and how you’ll fit into the team. Have some questions ready for the end of the interview.

The recruitment team will assess things like:

  • personality
  • demeanour
  • communication
  • listening skills

This will give them an idea of how you might cope with the demands of the job.

When you’re doing it for real, SCRA can link you to a network of peer contact, training and support.

Find out more

For more information about a career as a Countryside Ranger, visit the National Career Service.

See our Continuous Professional Development section for details of the development opportunities available to you.