Environmental conservation officer

Environmental conservation officers manage and protect areas of land, and the plants and animals within them. They identify, monitor and survey species, recording their habits and distribution. They enforce regulations to protect the environment and advise local authorities and private companies on the likely impact of development; for example, the building of a new road or housing estate.

Also known as:

Nature conservationist

Work activities

Environmental conservation officers (ECOs) manage and protect important wildlife areas, such as nature reserves, woodlands, heaths and moors, and sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs). ECOs organise surveys of the wildlife, habitats and landscape features within these areas. They identify plant and animal species, map their habitats, analyse their behaviour and record numbers. They can be helped in this work by other environmental specialists and scientists, for example, botanists and ecologists. Their findings help to build up a national picture of our wildlife, and to identify species in need of protection. ECOs maintain computer databases to organise their findings and write reports. ECOs plan and put into practice policies to protect wildlife and the environment. This could mean educating local people, including through giving talks, setting up displays and exhibitions, and writing leaflets and newsletters. They might, for example, raise awareness of how to prevent pollution. ECOs might also highlight trends and talk about their work in interviews with the media.

ECOs consider the impact of human activity and new developments on the environment. They are involved in discussions with residents, landowners and local authorities, for example, on the environmental impact of planned new roads and buildings. They will advise local authorities and private companies of the likely consequences of the new development, through presentations, written reports and discussions. ECOs can gather evidence of pollution, for example, by taking samples of polluted water or photographs of dumped or illegally burnt rubbish. They might be able to use this evidence to prosecute the individuals or organisations that cause pollution. This process can include receiving and responding to complaints from members of the public. ECOs plan and supervise long-term environmental projects, such as establishing and managing heath and woodland. They are involved in the planning and design of new conservation areas, and negotiating with landowners to ensure safe, responsible public access.

Increasingly, ECOs try to get local community groups involved with conservation projects, helping to attract funding, for example. Within conservation areas, they might also plan, design and supervise the building of facilities for the public, including pathways and parking areas. As managers, they recruit, train and supervise staff, including teams of volunteers. They plan and control budgets and are responsible for setting up maintenance programmes such as to repair fences and weed ponds. They also work with rangers/wardens who enforce by-laws and regulations to protect the conservation area, such as patrolling to make sure anglers have permits. ECOs combine office-based administrative and organisational work with outdoor site visits, and often travel between sites.

Personal qualities and skills

To be an environmental conservation officer (ECO), you’ll need a very strong knowledge of conservation and ecological issues. Apart from the theory, you must have practical fieldwork skills, for example, to identify different species from clues such as tracks and droppings. You’ll also need the ability to interpret maps and plans. You will also need:

Physical fitness for fieldwork.
Willingness to work outside in all types of weather.
A thorough, analytical approach to research.
Observation skills.
The ability to interpret and keep up to date with environmental legislation and guidelines.
Communication skills to give advice and explain findings clearly and concisely, including in written reports.
Confidence to give talks and presentations.
The ability to get on with a wide range of people, including scientists, landowners, local authority officers, representatives of private companies and conservation bodies, and members of the public.
Firmness when enforcing legislation to protect the environment. This could involve calming people down in heated situations.
Negotiating skills.
Organisational and planning skills to make the best use of resources.
The ability to train and supervise people, and lead teams of conservation specialists, rangers/wardens and volunteers.

Pay and opportunities

Salary rates for environmental conservation officers (ECOs) vary, depending on the employer and the level/range of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. ECOs earn in the range of £22,000, rising to £34,000 with experience.

They usually work a 39-40-hour week. However, irregular hours, early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required.

Employers include Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales, the 14 National Park Authorities, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission and local authorities. Other major landholding organisations, such as the water companies and a few private companies employ conservation officers. There are also opportunities with voluntary sector employers, such as the National Trust, and conservation bodies such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Other non-governmental organisations, such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, provide a small number of openings for managerial, scientific, educational and research specialists. Opportunities for ECOs occur in rural areas, towns and cities throughout the UK. There are opportunities for ECOs to work in research/advisory posts in other countries, especially in the Global South.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on general job boards and those that specialise in environmental, countryside and land-based jobs. They also appear in local/ national newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Many entrants are graduates, although it can be possible to enter with an HND or foundation degree. With strong competition for entry, a postgraduate qualification can be an advantage. Relevant subjects include environmental conservation, environmental science, biological sciences (including ecology, plant science and zoology) and earth sciences, including geography.

Two apprenticeships offer a good way into this career path:

Countryside worker (level 2 / intermediate)
Countryside ranger (level 4 / higher)

By taking an apprenticeship, most of your training will be on the job and you will also undertake study towards relevant qualifications.

Most employers will look for evidence of an interest in, and commitment to, environmental conservation. It’s very useful to have developed knowledge and skills through relevant work experience. You could gain experience with a wildlife trust, local conservation group or National Park Authority. You could also gain experience as part of a sandwich degree course. Some entrants are already qualified professionals in areas such as countryside recreation, land management and teaching. Some people start in related careers, for example, as rangers/ wardens, to gain experience and qualifications, and then apply for ECO posts.

Employers might organise further training, including in management subjects and techniques, and health and safety. You might be able to take short courses at field study centres or study a college course part-time.

You could progress to a supervisory or management-level post or specialise in a particular area of conservation.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Some posts involve working with children or vulnerable adults, for example, when they are taking part in conservation projects. These posts are exceptions to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

Entrants are usually graduates. Relevant university subjects include environmental conservation, environmental science, countryside management, biological sciences and earth sciences. The usual entry requirements for degree courses will vary depending on the university and the subject. Typical requirements may be:

Two to three A-levels. You may need a science subject, depending on the degree subject.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs (9-4).

Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, might be acceptable for entry.

To enter an apprenticeship, you will typically need the following:

Intermediate apprenticeship: GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your apprenticeship programme.
Advanced apprenticeship: Two relevant A-levels, plus GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

For entry, it’s very useful to have gained knowledge and skills through relevant work experience, including voluntary work, such as in an environmental or conservation role, or land management.

If you don’t have the qualifications you need to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details. Several universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in environmental studies and related disciplines with flexible study options.

Related careers

Countryside manager
Countryside ranger
Ecologist
Gamekeeper
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Landscape manager
Landscape scientist
Recycling officer
Traffic engineer
Water keeper/water bailiff