Gamekeeper

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to become a gamekeeper.

Courses include:

• countryside management
• countryside and environment
• land and wildlife management

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Underkeeper Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You might be able to start as an assistant gamekeeper or underkeeper. You could then work your way up to become a gamekeeper, as you gain more experience and learn on the job.

Volunteering

It can be useful to get some volunteering experience, working in the countryside or on an estate.

You can find out about volunteering and work experience opportunities from:

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• National Parks UK

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work on your own
• customer service skills
• knowledge of countryside and wildlife regulations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• physical fitness and endurance

What you'll do:

Gamekeepers manage habitats and wildlife in upland and lowland areas used for shooting and fishing.

As a gamekeeper, you could:

• organise shooting and fishing parties
• manage staff and work and train gun dogs
• breed birds to release on the land you manage
• protect animals from poachers and predators
• maintain habitats, using agricultural equipment and machinery

Location : You could work on a country estate or in woodland.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 45 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a head gamekeeper
• work self employed or as a contractor
• move into countryside estate management