The environmental sector is about preserving and protecting the UK’s natural environments. People working in this industry are involved in protecting natural landscapes, habitats and birds, animals and plants. You could also find yourself working on a climate change project or dipping into a bit of Archaeology. Recent popular areas are Ecology and Conservation Management.

The land based sector has a huge amount of career opportunities and job opportunities at all levels of education, from skilled trades, such as farmers, landscapers, and gamekeeper’s right up to managerial positions such as agricultural consultant, countryside manager, and horticultural manager. Other popular job areas are floristry, fisheries management, animal technology, and agriculture.

National

• Sector currently employs approximately 1 million people, with the majority working in agricultural services.
• There are approximately 166,200 businesses in both the environmental and land based sector with 96% of the companies employing less than 10 people.
• 79% of the workforce work full time and 39% are self-employed.
• There are 500,000 volunteers working across both sectors.
• 62% of the workforces are aged between 25-54 years old.
• There are plans to recruit 110,000 new entrants by 2017.
• There are 500+ approved training providers offering training programmes.
• 37% of the workforce has level 1 or no qualifications.

Regional

• In Yorkshire and Humber region there are approximately 84,894 people employed in this sector with 37% of these being self employed.
• 98.2% of businesses employ less than 10 people or no staff.
• 69% of the workforce is male.
• 3% of the workforce is made up of voluntary workers.
• Doncaster is home to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Doncaster Racecourse.
• Bloodstock sells over 3500 racehorses each year.

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• Good communication skills.
• Caring and confident working with animals.
• Must be practical.
• Good physical fitness.
• Be able to work with others as well as on own.
• Be flexible in your approach.
• Problem solving and creative planning.
• Interested in science and anatomy.
• Must be practical and very hands-on.

There are very few opportunities available if you have just left school, think about the job that interests you and the qualifications needed so that you can acheive your career goal. 

Why don’t you think about gaining some work experience/voluntary work whilst you study. There are lots of different courses availalbe in this work area. You can choose to do a specific course at school/college/university or take the Apprenticeship route in a subject area. 

There are many specialist colleges in the Yorkshire area that will give you the qualifications you need to specialise in this area of work such as Askham Bryan College (York), Bishop Burton College (Beverley) or Lincolnshire School of Agriculture (Lincoln). 

www.doncasterchoices1419.org.uk
Find out what courses and training is available in your area.

www.lantra.co.uk
Sector Skills Council for land based and environmental industries, giving you information about the work areas and the different type of jobs available in this sector.

www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk
A general careers website with information on a wide range of careers.

www.regionaltrainingprospectus.co.uk
A guide offering careers and training advice, ranging from helping you choose a college to finding an Apprenticeship in your region.

Seasonal Animal Ranger

What are you main responsibilities? What does your job involve?

The main role of an Animal Ranger is looking after the animals, cleaning out their accommodation and feeding them. I am not responsible for one particular area, as tasks are given on a rota basis so you get to work in different areas.

You need to be knowledgeable of the animals and their habitat as you are required to give presentations and give talks to visitors. I enjoy giving the talks and my favourite animal to look after is the lions. We are also required to update and keep records of the work we do, these are called ‘check sheets’ and are also used to note down anything unusual or strange that we see that can be checked on later by another Ranger.

Sometimes we are asked to take on other duties such as supervising the Play Barn which is used by children.

What hours do you work?

I work from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm however if there is a problem with one of the animals I may have to work late. The job is seasonal and tends to be from March to October.

What is your working environment like?

The majority of the work is outside so I work in a variety of conditions from hot and humid to cold, wet and muddy.

Some days can be very busy whilst others can be quiet, however this depends on the amount of visitors coming to the Wildlife Park.

Do you wear a uniform or have a specific dress code?

We are given a polo shirt to wear which has the park’s name and logo on it along with a jacket and waterproofs. We are required to wear green trousers and walking boots.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?

We use equipment for maintaining habitats these include strimmers, mowers, a blower. Also when dealing with the animals we have to use feeding syringes and dart guns.

What skills or qualities do you need?

You need to be prepared to do voluntary work to help you gain experience of working with animals. I used to volunteer at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park every Wednesday and I have also volunteered with the RSPCA.

• You need to be flexible and be prepared to work long hours if required.
• You need to have a strong character and be confident as you will have give talks to the public.
• Be a team player is also a key skill.
• Don’t be afraid of getting messy.
• You also need to have a sense of humour.

Why did you choose this type of work?

I always wanted to work with animals. I also wanted to work outdoors as I would hate to work in an office.

What training do you do/have you done?

I volunteered at the RSPCA which involved dog walking, feeding and cleaning the kennels out. I also did other work placements like volunteering here at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. In the past, I have done some bar work which helped me develop my customer service skills.

At the moment, I am working towards a degree at Askham Bryam College in Animal Management and Science. I have also got certificates for First Aid and Safe Use of Vet Medicine.

What do you like/dislike about your job?

I like working with the animals and the general public who come to visit the park. I enjoy being outside and have the autonomy to try different things with the animals. There is lots of variety.

I dislike customer complaints, especially when it is about their own health and safety.

What are your main challenges?

The main challenges are:

Having to make decisions sometimes – on my own.
• Keeping motivated and going through a long and tiring day.
• Keeping fit as the job can be very demanding.

How do you see your future?

Achieving my degree and becoming a non seasonal employee.

What advice would you give to young people who are about to leave school or are considering a job in a similar work area?

Make sure you do lots of voluntary work, take on any opportunities that are offered to you get i.e. dog walking. Be committed and gain relevant qualifications to go alongside the experience you gain.