There are a lot roles allied to the countryside and wildlife sectors which do not involve working directly with either, all the administrative tasks from reception to accountancy, IT support and software development, the publicity for a site or organisation, fundraising and membership administration.

These support services are all vital to keep organisations running smoothly.

Jobs and employment

Typical jobs include Admin Assistant, Office Manager, GIS Support, Communication Officer, Membership Recruiter, Grant Administrator, Systems Analyst, Web Developer.

See current administration vacancies advertised with CJS here.

See current publicity and fundraising vacancies advertised with CJS here.

To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.

See current administration volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

See current publicity and fundraising volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

Skills, training and CPD.

Skills and qualification required depend upon which type of support service you are considering. Most require the same qualifications as for similar roles outside of the countryside sector; however for all an interest in and knowledge of the sector is a distinct advantage. Skills specific to the sector include:

GIS training

Ecological appraisal and report writing

Social media for countryside sites

Wildlife Crime and the Law

Understanding the planning system

Project Management for countryside staff