National Careers Week


This week is National Careers Week so what better time to revisit a few in depth features looking at careers in the countryside sector.

Carolyn Sherratt works within the southern Ranger team at Cheshire East Council.  She's responsible for the management of a number of sites in the countryside around Congleton. No two days are ever the same; however the following is an account of what might happen on a ‘typical’ early autumn day.

Problems facing new graduates
Brian Heppenstall, Senior Ranger, Hengistbury Head, a large and busy nature reserve with a popular undergraduate programme, taking in upwards of 25 placements each year.
He asked former students what hurdles or issues they have faced when trying to get their first job in conservation, this article outlines some of these problems and addresses what the conservation sector could do overcome them. Read here.

Fisheries
If you're more of a watery persuasion then a career in fisheries might appeal more - it's not looking after fish in big tanks or nets, there's a lot involved in monitoring the fish and the health of the rivers in which they live.
Jamie Urquhart tells lantra about his work on the River Dee in the north-east of Scotland which provides an internationally important habitat for populations of salmon, otters and freshwater pearl mussels, so has been given Special Area of Conservation status by the EU, the highest level of environmental recognition available. This article includes a video from lantra Scotland featuring Jamie talking about a careers in fisheries management. This one can be found here.

Across the countryside sector
CJS includes information on a wide range of careers and jobs across the countryside sector, from animal care to rights of way, ecologists to rangers and not forgetting the all important support staff who keep everything running smoothly.  Find out more: https://www.countryside-jobs.com/job-sectors