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Emma Douglas

Assistant Ranger
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

11 months

Salary Range

£20,000 – £25,000

Please describe the work that you do.

As an assistant Ranger in a country park my role is varied, some of the things I do are:

  • Heathland restoration – IE pine and scrub clearance, spraying and using strimmers, brush cutters, and clearing saw.
  • Process trees that have been cut down.
  • Surveying, reptile, butterfly, air quality, plants
  • Supervise volunteers, work experience and school groups.
  • Keeping park and play park clean and safe
  • Engagement and interpretation
  • Litter picks

And any other work required!

What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?

  • Being outside, meeting people, being alone in nature.
  • Identifying different plants and wildlife.
  • Repeatedly telling people to keep dogs on leads.

What inspired you into this career? 

Career change as I had always wanted to work outdoors/with nature but had ended up in admin working from home during COVID. I told myself enough was enough and time for a change.

Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far? 

Had to retrain, I was very lucky I got a job quite quickly, working for the country is not the perfect job but a foot in the door. I interviewed for about 10 jobs but always missed out as someone always had more experience than me. I worked 2 days per week, was at college 3 days per week and volunteered 1 day per week, for 2 years. I was unable to volunteer more but always felt more volunteering was needed which is not easy to do for anyone.

What education/training did you have?

L3 city and guilds wildlife conservation and ecology.

What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession? 

Get yourself known, volunteer as much as you are able to but don’t kill yourself doing it. Try to get some qualifications or apprenticeship. Be positive keep applying for jobs things will turn up, and be open to different opportunities, say yes to things even if outside your comfort zone. Take a chance, but leave if you’re not happy or fulfilled.

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Tags: England, Public sector, Conservation worker, Countryside ranger, Career changer

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