Landscape Officer

Salary

Graduate with experience: £18,000 - £27,000
Employee with extensive experience: £25,000 - £35,000

Main Employers

• Local and Regional Government
• Nature Reserves, National and Country Parks, Private Estates
• Building, Civil Engineering, Mining and Power Supply Companies
• Land Reclamation Companies
• The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland and English Nature
• Private Practices
• Consultancies

Job Profile

Landscape Officers provide professional advice and expertise on landscape appraisal, assessment and design. They are responsible for the care of new and existing landscapes, dealing with the planning of short and long term developments and advising on alternative uses. The types of landscape they deal with include nature conservation areas, historic gardens, city industrial parks, woodland for timber production or recreation, motorway verges and communal grounds in residential areas.

Role and Responsibilities

Jobs will vary according to each employer. However, you could expect to be involved in but not limited to:

• Doing biological surveys that include listing the plants, birds, animals and insects that inhabit a site, local geography, the type of soil and the site's drainage
• Advising in planning applications and public enquiries prior to major construction projects
• Working with other professionals such as landscape architects and landscape scientists
• Letting and administrating contracts to manage and maintain the land
• Supervising contractors, volunteers and others who carry out the work on sites
• Working within the planning framework
• Helping with tree preservation
• Analysing landscape schemes in terms of the effectiveness and practicality
• Working outdoors in all weathers for much of the time
• Administrative tasks
• Attending meetings
Qualifications

Relevant Degree and HND subjects include:

• Agriculture
• Biology
• Botany/Plant Science
• Business Studies
• Countryside Management
• Earth Science (Physical)
• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Land/Estate Management
• Planning
• Surveying
• Sustainable Development
You normally need a first degree or postgraduate qualification. Postgraduate courses in Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, Land-Based Sciences, Planning, Social Science, Landscape Design, Soil Science, Forestry, Engineering, Agriculture or Ecology are suitable to enter the profession. Some employers may accept qualifications such as BTEC HNC’s/HND’s in Horticulture, Landscaping, Landscape Management or Countryside Management. It may be possible to work as a Landscape Assistant and study towards a degree while in employment. Candidates usually need at least nine months' relevant practical experience, particularly in Arboricultural and Horticultural/ Grounds Maintenance Management and and preferably be eligible to apply for membership of a professional association.

Potential applicants should be able to show evidence of:

• A sound understanding of the principles and processes of landscape character assessment and a creative approach to its application and promotion
• Familiarity with IT packages and GIS
• A good understanding of ecology and the built/historic environment
• An interest in conservation and the environment
• Being physically fit for outdoor work
• An understanding of environmental and countryside law
• Good communication skills

Career Opportunities

There are opportunities throughout the UK and some may work in private practices. Promotion can be to a senior or management role. Self-employment may be possible on a consultancy basis. There are also opportunities overseas, especially in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.