Subscribers Only

 

 

Search
 

Countryside Jobs Service

    
 

CJS Discussion Board - Q & A 

  

You are here> Info > Q&A
 

The Main Discussion Board has become a place for long discussions (as intended) but we feel there is also scope for a Q&A section for people to ask simple questions and then wait for your feedback. So this is it!

NatureNet runs a similar Q&A Section called Ask the Ranger so you might find the answer on NatureNet's archive. To have a look .

 

Q&A ref: 130707    KC from Swindon asks: As part of a ranger team, I have been tasked to come up with new marketing and interpretation ideas.  We currently produce leaflets, boards and run events/walks etc.  Now in the 21st Century does anybody have any novel ideas or experiences that worked in trying to promote parks and inform user groups?

Q&A ref: 280607            MC from Bournemouth asks: I graduated with a degree in Environmental Science 10 yrs ago. I struggled to get a job in this field after I graduated. I found an office based job to make ends meet as I wanted to continue living away from home. Eventually i could take it no more and I managed to secure a position working for the Game Conservancy Trust on a 6mth contract near Bournemouth. However the contract was not renewed due to lack of funding. Commitments at the time (mainly keeping a roof over my head) meant I found myself back in office work - sales/customer service type roles in insurance centres. I have been doing this for far too long and the speel 'we're not like other offices' and 'we don't like to think of ourselves as a call-centre' spin is now washing very thinly indeed. My passion for the environment has never diminished and I would dearly love to get out of this sterile environment and back to working with nature in any way I can. I have been conducting specific surveys with Butterfly Conservation group, HCT - Amphibians and Reptiles plus carrying out pond surveys for my local council. All voluntarily. My aim is to eventually get paid for this kind of work, hopefully securing employment as an ecologist. But (this is the big question!) am I doing enough to make myself employable in this type or role/sector?. Incidentally I am thinking of applying for a chainsaw licence (funds permitting) in the near future. I'm not getting any younger (31) and need to look to the future realistically. I can only really carry out my voluntary work and look for environmental jobs I want to do because I am not pushing myself in my current role. Any advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Q&A ref: 300307

Re: International Ranger Exchange Program

I would like to inform your organisation/staff of my interest in a Ranger exchange program and potential employment in Ireland/UK in the future. Firstly, I lived in Ireland and the UK for three years (1999-2001) while travelling on an Ancestry visa. I also attended the International Ranger Congress at Stirling in 2006 and establish some contacts. National Parks in the state of New South Wales, Australia has a semi-formalised International Ranger Exchange Program, that encourages and sanction exchanges that develop relationships between the NSW state government in Australia, with governments and conservation organisations worldwide. The program relies on the individual (me) establishing first contact and identifying an adequate exchange ranger. Once this connection is made the information is forwarded to the International Programs Unit within the Department of Environment and Conservation whom facilitate the finalisation of the exchange between the two organisations. The Protected Area Workers Association of NSW and the Australian Rangers Federation also supports the Ranger Exchange Program. If you were interested in a one-year ranger exchange in Australia in 2009 I would like to hear from you. You may contact me direct on the provided e-mail to illustrate your interest. Prior to contacting me, it would be a good idea for you to discuss this with your supervisor/agency to get verbal approval to explore the possibilities. It would also be beneficial for you to contact your ranger federation and discuss the assistance they can provide. Once I have received your interest, I will forward a ‘information package’ that identifies specific information concerning my personal and professional position for you and your supervisor to consider. Ideally I need to secure a ranger with compatible skills, increasing the likely hood of the supervisors/agencies involved agreeing to the exchange. I would expect any interested Rangers to develop a similar information package to be email to me, so both my supervisor and I can assess the potential candidates prior to proceeding to the next stage. Thankyou for your time. Kind regards, Duncan Scott-Lawson duncan.scottlawson@environment.nsw.gov.au

Q&A ref: 200207 Hello, any advice would be gratefully accepted please.

I am 31 years old with a degree in politics. I have a postgraduate diploma in newspaper journalism and have worked in both the media and, latterly, in recruitment.

I live in East Yorkshire, close to Hull.

My family always assumed I would end up working for the RSPB or another of the big environmental organisations as I lived and breathed birding whilst I was growing up, my biggest find being Cambridgeshire's first Ring-Billed Gull.

I drifted out of birding for many years but I still have most of my bird identification skills and certainly the passion about birds.

I am presently unemployed and thinking very seriously about working in the environmental sector. I have been in touch with the RSPB and am due to start volunteering at Blacktoft and Bempton. I worked as a Field-Teacher at Fowlmere in 1997.

Any advice on how I can make a career for myself from my original passion would be very much appreciated. Thank you very much indeed. (Details supplied)

Q&A ref: 160207 I would like to work in practical conservation in Eastern Europe. Although I only speak English I am looking to undertake a challenge and expand my horizons. Any ideas anyone. Details supplied.

Q&A ref: 151206. NI from the North East asks: With a degree in Countryside Management, a post grad diploma in Environmental Management and voluntary experience I thought I would have my ideal job by now.  However, I have yet to be offered an interview.  Any advice?

 

CJS says: Have you had any feedback from job applications? Do you have an idea what the reason for the lack of job interviews may be? Maybe it is something you can work on if you have had some feedback.

Q&A ref: 231106 I have had four interviews to date and I am finding it difficult to answer questions when asked. Its not that I don't know my stuff and I feel if I was given something practical to do, I would be able to demonstrate my knowledge. Should I be open and honest in my application forms and explain my inability to answer questions due to having dyslexia? How can I get around this? I would be grateful for any advice. Details supplied

Q&A ref: 181006 I am a zoology graduate, but would love to get into ecology work. I have experience in organisations including RSPB, wildlife trusts and an ecological consultancy firm. I think I have to get a masters - but which one? Any guidance appreciated! Details supplied.

Q&A ref: 101006. I was wondering if anybody had any advice for me on where I could be looking for a month long work placement. I'm currently studying a geography BA degree at Bangor University and would like to go into the area of conservation/environmental protection. I’m in my first year and need the placement somewhere around North Wales (Details supplied)

Replies:    101006-1 You could try the Snowdonia Society - based in Capel Curig they are only about 25 mins drive from Bangor and are involved in all areas of protecting and enhancing the National Park - they also have several volunteer workdays throughout the year which may be useful. Details supplied.

Q&A ref: 061006. DM from London asks: I am a Mature student doing a degree in Environmental studies with the Open University. Looking to work in Environment/Conservation.  Any suggestions about Organisations to approach to gain useful experience?

Q&A ref: 031006. S from where the work is asks: I am a natural builder looking for work building with anything from cob, to straw bales, sustainably harvested wood, to stones. I have experience and am primarily looking in Ireland - so that I can spend time with my brother there - but am willing to take work anywhere in the UK as well. If anyone has any leads, I would be most grateful.!

Q&A ref: 270906. AA from Hull asks: I am currently taking a FdSc Wildlife and countryside degree (part-time) in order to change my career. I want to get a job in the conservation and wildlife management sector, would a shotgun license be useful and if so how do I go about gaining one?        Cheers,

Q&A ref: 010806. Can anyone tell me if you can get paid work as a field assistant and where to look for jobs? Details supplied

Q&A ref: 180706. I am a mature student at the end of the 2nd year of a 3 year part time Foundation Degree in Ecology and Conservation Management.  I have serious doubts that the course I am on will equip me to get any job in the environmental sector even with loads of volunteering experience. I am considering quitting to take a chance and try and get on the National Trust Careership scheme next year.  Am I right in thinking that if I finished my course I would be ineligible to get on the Careership?  Help!!  Details supplied

Q&A ref: 300606. SW from Cleveland asks: I have received a conditional offer from Askham Bryan College of a place on Work-based learning NVQ level 2 in Environmental Conservation but I am struggling to find a work placement. Can anyone suggest any places I can try in the northeast?

Q&A ref: 220606. AK from Scotland asks: I have plenty of SRT experience and want to get into tree surgery.  I have the time to study and live in Perthshire.  Which courses are available and advisable for a 30 year old Geordie with a degree?

Q&A ref: 020306. IS from Southampton asks: I have decided to do an MSc to help me on the way to becoming an Ecological Consultant. Can anyone recommend a course here in the UK?

Replies:    020306-1  Hi, University of York does an excellent MRes in Ecology & Env Management, Imperial College has an MRes or MSc in Ecology, Conservation & Evolution and the University of East Anglia runs a MSc in Applied Ecology. I have just applied to all of the above. Birmingham also runs a Certificate / Diploma / Masters in Biological Recording for Surveys. Hope I've helped. Details supplied

020306–2 PS of the UK says: Aberdeen University do an excellent MSC in Ecology, I had numerous years experience and two first class degrees but could not gain employment. One month after graduation I have had numerous offers of employment. This course allows specialisms in terrestrial, aquatic or marine. Good luck.

Q&A ref: 170206. How old do you have to be to get a bat licence? Details supplied

Replies:    170206–1 HI. It is not necessarily age that permits you from obtaining a licence it is experience. You should be expected to be in a position of knowledge on your subject (bats) and be in a position where you are working with them or at least can provide sufficient evidence of working knowledge. A number of courses are available as an introduction to obtaining such licences however these can be some what costly but well worth the investment. There are also opportunities to obtain practical experience. Details supplied.

Q&A ref: 120106. I have a good environmental BSc, 18 months volunteering experience and love computers. I'm thinking of taking an MSc in GIS. Anyone got one? Where does it get you and would it be worth it? Details supplied

Q&A ref: 131205. Does anyone have any experience of MSC Architecture: "Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies".  I am interested in peoples' opinions of the course, employability of students afterwards, I have a background in voluntary sector housing management as well as a year as a eco materials researcher.  All replies appreciated. Details supplied

Q&A Ref: 071105. JN in Durham asks: Hi! I'm currently in my 2nd year of a Law Degree at Newcastle University but wish to pursue a career concerning the environment (not very specific, I apologise!). I was wondering if I would need an Environmental degree to be considered for jobs or whether my Law degree would be sufficient?  Many thanks!

Replies:    071105-1 L M from Newcastle says: Hey a fellow (or honorary) Geordie! If you've decided that the environmental sector is where you want to be then you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a job if you have EXPERIENCE. That is the golden word. A good degree will help you on your way (especially if you can tailor it to include as many environment type modules as you can) but experience is vital. I have been volunteering for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust for just over 2 months now and as a result I have 2 job interviews within the next 3 weeks, compared to none before I started! Coincidence? I think not!

071105–2 Totally agree with LM. Experience is everything, (which usually means volunteering, but should be easier to commit a day a week at university?). I too started volunteering for a Wildlife Trust (while working part-time) after university. Within 2 months of practical conservation days (once a week), I heard about a job in the organisation. Within another couple of weeks I was offered full time employment. So "getting your face know" as other put it got me the job (admittedly as a trainee, but my hard work has since been recognised with a promotion). GOOD LUCK! Details supplied

071105–3 PM from Cornwall adds: I'm not sure how long your law course is but I'd be tempted to finish it and then specialise in environmental law. This could be done through an additional course, or by working in the law business and taking every opportunity to take environmental based cases. This may take time (as all the best things do) but the financial rewards will be better and the power to change bad practice, protect wildlife and set precedence would be more than I have achieved in 20 years of rangering!

Q&A Ref: 151005. TE from the Pennines asks: Is anyone out there struggling to fit countryside sites/issues into the Green Spaces Audits (CABE) because its driving us mad trying to justify our sites effectively against the formal Urban parks/open spaces.

Q&A Ref: 020905. I'm really interested in improving my reasonable botanic surveying skills to an employable level.  Please I'd welcome ideas on possible training or other suggestions. Details Supplied.

Q&A Ref: 040705. I am a bit disheartened by some of the questions from qualified people struggling to find work in this sector. I have recently given up my career in retail management to study a degree in the above. Am I mad? Is it really that hard to get work? Details Supplied.

Q&A Ref: 270405.BG in London asks: I am searching for training providers who can train me in Phase 1/2 Habitat survey and also species identification in the London area. Can anyone help out?

Q&A Ref: 180405. H of Brighton asks: I'm a second year Ecology and Conservation student living part time in Brighton and London. I was wondering if anyone knew of some conservation/ecological surveying type work for the summer holidays (that doesn't involve knowing how to drive!) around those areas. I'm desperate for the experience whilst having a limited time in which to get it.

Q&A Ref: 300305. RB in Beds asks: Does anyone know of any countryside jobs in or near to Bedfordshire? I'm finishing an ND in Countryside Management in July, and would be grateful for any contacts.

CJS Replies – have a look at our links page for relevant organisations who can help point you in the right direction, also CJS Daily Online - Southern Region for any job vacancies. And don't forget to contact your local wildlife trust (BBOWT for you, you'll find a link on the links page), local National Trust properties and any local nature reserves, country parks etc.

Q&A Ref: 290305. DF, Suffolk says :I'm a new immigrant to this country, I have a 2 year degree in Natural Resources Management as well as 13 years experience working as a Back-country Ranger, Wildland Fire Fighter, Wildlife Technician in 4 states including Alaska. Where do I start looking for a job? Does My 2 years degree count towards anything here? Who would I talk to? Where are My best chances? Any and all information would be welcome...Thank You....

Replies    290305–1 It sounds like you have much to offer a prospective employer in an environmental career.  CJS is a good all round resource of job vacancies in the UK, but you could try searching the websites of various National Parks (government), the National Trust (charity), Forest Enterprise (government), and various regional Wildlife Trusts.  I am an Assistant Ranger on the Dartmoor National Park Ranger team, formerly a policeman who managed to get the job by achieving an environmental degree then working voluntarily in the sector to get your face known and to gain valuable experience.  This type of work is generally poorly paid but paradoxically very popular so competition is stiff.  Get known and get to know the conservation team members of your desired location.  Prove you can do the job, and show you can get along well with the team, staff, and public.  Hope this helps! Details supplied

Q&A Ref 070305. MR in Fife asks: I hope you can assist me? I have been away from the forestry for a number of years now, and I am looking to get back in to it I.E Forwarder Operator. I am now 36 with no Qualifications but have experience in operating most vehicles, I.E it was a Brunet Forwarder I operated for an Employer in Perth Scotland. I have also searched the internet for weeks and cannot find anything? Is there still a need for this career?? Any help in this matter would be truly appreciated.

Replies    070305-1 If you are willing to travel widely and have good fitting skills, there is plenty of work. You will need a FMOC licence, that is basically a practical assessment of your skills. I may have a position, operating a brash baler. Details supplied.

Q&A Ref: 150205. I am currently a structural engineer in the north west. I am very keen to change my career to something in the environmental/sustainability sectors in a rural area. Please could anyone suggests jobs that I would be qualified for with a BEng in Architectural Engineering and an MSC in industrial/product design? Thank-you. (Details Supplied)

Q&A Ref: 140205. Is the cleaning of public toilets a 'normal' job for a Countryside Warden? It's no-where on my job description, but recently the council who own the country park/LNR where I work cut the cleaning contract on the park toilets to save money, and are demanding we (the wardens) clean them instead. I know it sounds a bit petty, but we already spend a massive chunk of our time litter picking, collecting fly tipping, cleaning vandalism etc, and my job seems to be changing from countryside warden (which I love) to one of park keeping and cleaning, which is not what I want to do. Do people think it's a reasonable request? Anyone got any good arguments to get us out of cleaning these public conveniences? Details Supplied.

Replies: 140205-1. Hi - I also work as a countryside ranger (much the same thing as a countryside warden) Personally I would not consider cleaning toilets to be acceptable. Like most of us you have probably worked hard to gain experience/ qualifications and I would suspect find this a bit of an insult. To be fair though there will almost certainly be something in your contract that says words to the effect of 'and any other duties your employer feels are reasonable in addition to your itemised job description'

It wouldn't hurt to have a discreet word with your union rep though whilst, depending upon how qualified/ experienced you are, looking around for another opportunity of employment. Perhaps you may find someone who makes you feel a little more valued than a free toilet cleaner! From S.P. East Sussex

140205–2 I also entered my job as ranger for another council and have found to my dismay that the environmental management and maintenance side of things are a bare minimum with cleaning and clearing taking a large percentage of time. In my case a lack of true leadership and understanding of what is needed is to blame. I'm looking to move out as soon as possible, with council authorities, in my experience it will only get worse. Details Supplied

Q&A Ref: 250105. Help!! I am looking for any information that any one can throw at me on or about french drains!!?? Cheers Guys! (Details supplied.)

Replies: 250105–1: From SA in Somerset: French Drains are used to reduce washout on foot paths. Consist of relevant size tree trunks laid diagonally across track to divert water flow . need to be secured and ditched on uphill side . NOT popular with mountain bikers or horse riders !

250105–2 PM from Cornwall adds: I beg to differ with your first reply. A french drain, to my knowledge, is a 'trench' filled with stones. The stones allow the water to pass through, while not leaving a trench to fall into. I find that large round stones are better than small chippings as they (chippings) tend to catch grit and silt and eventually block the drain. They are also harder to clean out!

Q&A Ref: 200105. NG in Derbyshire asks: I have recently moved to the Peak National park, and am trying to gain employment or voluntary work here. Does anyone have any advice specific to this area?

Replies: 200105–1 From S in the Lake District. The National Trust's High Peak Estate is an excellent place to volunteer and train.

Q&A Ref: 190105. DB in West Yorkshire asks: I am British but have lived and worked as a Game Ranger in Africa for the last 20 odd years. How do I get into the conservation workplace here in the UK?  I have a family so can't do unpaid work. I am used to working in very remote areas so that is not a problem. Any advice appreciated.

Q&A Ref: 170105. TH in Lancaster asks: I am a student at Lancaster Uni, I am going to graduate in the summer with either a 1:0 or 2:1 degree in mathematics and statistics. I am extremely interested in a future as a ranger, but understand that my degree is not in the right subject area. What is the best course of action for me to take to become a countryside ranger? Is an environmental degree required? Should I spend some time in voluntary work? Finally, if I were to have the relevant experience what are the prospects of actually obtaining a job? Easy or are there only a few available positions with numerous applicants?

Replies: 170105-1 The best thing for you to do is to get experience, which can only be done voluntarily. All the major conservation organisations - BTCV, National Trust, English Nature, RSPB, Wildlife Trust etc offer 6 months plus placements, some of them with free accommodation. This seems to be the only way to get a job these days. It worked for me. I got a degree in business studies and was working in London as a PA. Time for a career change! I was a VO with BTCV for 9 months, then I got a paid seasonal warden placement with the National Trust for 8 months and now I work as a Reserves Officer with the Wildlife Trust. So volunteering does work but you have to be prepared to live elsewhere to increase your chances of getting a job! I think it helped that I was doing a correspondence course about the environment and ecology when volunteering too. When applying for jobs and advertising myself for long term volunteers, the key skills I want, more important than previous conservation experience is good communication/interpersonal skills and ability to drive. Changing career and getting a job was a hard slog. Applications, interviews, rejections, not getting paid, having to move to where I could get the work/placements but once you get there it is worth it! Go for it!! (Details Supplied).

CJS replies    The Seasonal & Volunteer Work Special Edition for 2006 was published on 20th February, may give you some ideas.

Q&A Ref: 110105. Is there any other way of beginning a career in the countryside sector without going to university and getting a degree as most advertisements specifically require this? (details supplied)

Replies: 110105-1 From NL in Perthshire. The simple answer is yes, you can get into the Countryside Sector without a degree. This is because the Countryside Sector is such a diverse area of employment there are so many different jobs to be had. It depends on what you would like to do, and I would suggest that if the jobs you are interested in require a degree and you do not wish to do this, perhaps look at other Countryside Sector jobs - in many cases these will provide the necessary skills and experiences to then move on within the Countryside sector.

Q&A ref: 100105. NS in London asks: I am moving to Ireland coming September and am looking for jobs but I don't seem to find any websites that offer environment jobs in Eire. Any suggestions as to which websites are good?

Replies: 100105–1. RL, Southampton says: As someone who moved back from Rep. of Ireland after 9 years I can only give you bad news. There are very few jobs which will generally go to Irish nationals. Most work is research carried out by universities and is aimed at coniferous forestry or intensive grassland. There are a few Environmental consultancies which carry out surveys to a disappointingly poor standard. Coilte, Irish forestry department, have employed people but it is all paper based conservation. The ranger system is based on counties, Limerick had two rangers for the whole county. It took two years from application to starting the jobs last time they where advertised.

Q&A Ref: 031104. HJ from Yorkshire asks: Can anyone offer or suggest somewhere that I might find a paid or expenses paid work placement next summer? I need to gain practical experience in ecological sampling/wildlife identification etc.

Replies:  030104–1 JH in South Wales suggests: The National Trust has limited opportunities for long term volunteers where they are provided with accommodation and just have to feed themselves. These placements are usually for a year and are often very rural so you would need to drive

Q&A Ref: 270904. SP in East Sussex asks: My position is simple, I am training toward a bat license. My trainer says (after three years) I am still a long way off licensing due to a shortage of roost visits. He also says that Bat Conservation Trust professional courses are absolutely meaningless in the context of working toward a license. Seems to me I have no chance either way. Anyone any helpful suggestions or do I just stop beating my head against a brick wall and give up?

Replies: 270904-1 The only ways to obtain a bat licence at present are to obtain 2 references from licenced bat workers or to "do your time" with a bat group. If like me, you necessarily opt for the bat group route then you have to rely on the experience the bat group can/will provide. The Bat Groups have a different approach to bat work than consultants and there is something of a clash here. Many newly licenced people disappear from bat groups and consequently do not help out with householder roost visits (which is the main input from bat groups). Licensed workers do not like to give references for licences as it is direct competition in the consultancy field. The 3 day courses do not count towards a licence at present. It's a mess!! (Details supplied).

270904–2 You've probably been in contact with your local English Nature office already but if not then get in touch with them to see if they could help with your training in some way. The contact (from their website) is Rebecca Pearson tel:(01273) 476595. I'm not sure how this EN team organises roost visits but if they run a volunteer bat warden group to carry out visits for their bat casework then they may be able to arrange for you to accompany any existing wardens on roost visits and help towards you getting a licence. (Details supplied)

270904–3 I am really surprised that after 3 years, your trainer doesn't think you have obtained enough experience to get your bat licence. Have you thought about talking to your local English Nature Bat contact to see what they think? Maybe you should talk to your trainer and ask for honest feedback. It may be something else such as your communication skills with householders that are putting him/her off from giving you your reference. If it is then at least you know so you can improve them. Good luck. We need more bat workers out there! (Details Supplied)

270904–4 HA from Devon comments: If it were me, I would ask just how long your trainer expects it to be before you can apply. Three years is long enough to get a BSc, learn to fly a light aircraft and listen to Wagners Ring Cycle around 730 times...

Q&A Ref: 240904. JM in North Yorks says: I was wondering if anyone had information on graduate schemes or knew about any job services that concentrated more on graduates (especially local to me) as I have recently graduated from university. Any information would be very helpful.

Replies: 240904-1 LB from Dorset replies: I'm also a graduate, I finished my degree in June and have been looking for countryside jobs ever since! My position is slightly more complicated in that I had a horse riding accident and damaged my back meaning that I couldn't work- but I'm now getting back on track and have found that the only way forward is to become a volunteer somewhere (I'm a VO for the BTCV) or phone around your local councils for an apprenticeship... All in all you need experience and if you can do it voluntary work it looks fab on your CV and gets you there quicker! The majority of jobs for new grads begin next year anyway so take some time out and get out there and do some voluntary work- get your face known.

Q&A Ref: 070904. NF of Bath asks: Does anyone know a good company that offers public liability insurance for an environmental educator or an association of rangers that have benefits for members?

Replies: 070904-1. From CJS: Both Niall & I worked as freelance rangers before CJS. We both used a company called Perkins Slade (they still provide our company indemnity cover). They are an insurance broker and will source the best cover for you, switchboard number is: 0121 698 8000. But as with all insurance it's best to try a few sources although I never found a better quote. As for rangers associations, well I guess we're biased, but have you tried CMA? Kerryn, CJS.

Q&A ref: 030904. JC of Lancashire asks: I recently left a secure full time job to go back and study, ecology and conservation. My employer would not give me the one day off I needed and now I find myself temping. Why is it so hard to get a job in this field and get relevant qualifications? Catch 22...no experience and no relevant qualification means it is very hard to get into ecology. Oh, I do have a HND in Chemistry but no one seems interested..help!

Replies: Ref: 030904-1. I am exactly the same. I have a degree and MSc but due to lack of experience I can't find a permanent job. One thing I do in interviews is to highlight the interpersonal skills, etc that I have gained from temping; even though the temp jobs aren't exactly in the relevant field. Chin up! (Details Supplies)

Ref: 030904-2. Don't bother. I tried for 5 years after finishing my MSc in ecology to find a job in ecology and conservation, and all the time was told I didn't have enough experience. I spent most of this time doing voluntary work, but it was never enough. I now live in Germany and work in a printing factory. At least it is a job. (Details supplied).

Ref: 030904 - 3 WB in Lincolnshire says: I sympathize. However, some of the comments here are unduly negative. Defeatism is counter-productive, as demonstrating initiative and self-confidence will be crucial to success. Firstly, there are jobs out there for suitable candidates. Choose the right strategy to gain work experience, tailor it to the specific requirements of the job you want and be expansive and assertive in looking for a job. It should not require years of volunteering, and if you are still jobless after this length of time it is probably your attitude and strategy rather than your lack of experience which is holding you back. Good luck, but you make your own luck too!

Q&A Ref: 310704. I have just graduated with a 2.1 in Environmental Science and I a looking to get a job in the Environment Agency. However there seem to be so many people applying I can't even get an 'A-level' standard job. Does anyone have any tips as to how I can gain experience for field analysis techniques to help my applications? (details supplied)

Replies: 310704 - 1 From SS Lancashire, Like yourself I was hoping to glide into a job with a major employer after graduating. It does not work unfortunately (even if you graduate from one of the top three institutions) experience through voluntary work is the only way forward (unless a parent is a regional manager or similar of the organisation) and you can be doing unpaid work for years before you are successful. I spent a year with the National Trust as a live in volunteer in Surrey (thinking as a career move within this organisation) Sadly not interested as I applied for internal jobs in the region I worked and other areas without even an interview. But it is hard generally as jobs are far and few between in conservation. However, I did gain lots of experience and did enjoy the time in Surrey. I am now A V.O with the BTCV and have been on numerous interviews within the organisation, as the internal courses improve your chances even more. They make me feel as part of a team and how best to utilise my skills and with the work more varied. I know its only a matter of time before I will hopefully find a rewarding job.

Q&A Ref: 300704. I am trying to find a website or contact for obtaining a copy (or copies) of a radar image of bird migration as seen on a Doppler radar screen. A UK image would be ideal, but failing that, any country. (details supplied)

Replies:  300704-1 TW of Yorks says: How important is it that (a) the radar is Doppler and (b) the image is of migration rather than general bird movements? I'm currently involved in research using bird tracking radar (not Doppler) for small scale monitoring (11km radius). I can't think of any websites but the book radar ornithology by Eric Eastwood (1967, out of print) has some plates of migration across SE England.

300704-1-1 original questioner returns with: Many thanks for your info re the Eric Eastwood book. I didn't know that it was possible to get down to 11km areas. I'm looking for evidence that it is possible to identify migration routes (fly ways?) entering / leaving the UK. Particularly over islands off the mainland.

Q&A ref: 120704. I am considering training to work in tree surgery/aboriculture. Does anyone know what is the best course to take for basic necessary training? Is the NPTC course in chainsaw use enough to make me employable? Is a driving licence absolutely necessary? Also, can anyone give me an idea of starting salaries? Many thanks. (details supplied)

CJS says: See DL on the main discussion board for further thoughts on the necessity of a driving licence.

Replies: 120704-1 The tree surgeons I know have been known to take on people without chainsaw certificates, train them as groundsmen and then choose and pay for the course for the new employee. I don't know how normal this is, but it seems to give both sides the chance to see how suitable for the job the person is, but really means proving yourself as a good investment. I can ask them for some more information if needs be. (details supplied)

120704-2 From S, Hi I am a Tree Surgeon working in Sussex  I would recommend the twelve week tree surgery coarse as this will get you straight into a job but if you have time on your hands do the 2 year ND course this will enable you to progress to Tree Officer level the money in this line of work is low to start off with £12/13,000 but with time your pay will rise £18,000+ just remember you will have to do a lot of ground work for a firm so you can gain practical skills before your feet leave the ground. 

120704–3 PM from Cornwall says: An NPTC certificate in chainsaw use is essential, as will be a tree climbing certificate if you are to work for a reputable firm/local authority etc. You could pay for this yourself or preferably, as the first reply suggests, work for a good firm as a groundsman. If they think that you have the ability to hang from a rope at 80 feet and remove a ton of branch over a greenhouse, they should pay for the courses. I took a chainsaw course, a tree climbing course, got insurance, and went self employed (a driving licence is essential in this case). The rest is down to experience and professionalism. If you want to be a tree officer take the Arboricultural Association's technicians certificate (which asks for a couple of years experience in the industry). However there's lots of hassle and confrontation with the public, there's no adrenalin rush, and the view is of your pc and not over acres of rolling countryside... I have experience of both and I miss the satisfaction of tree surgery work.

Q&A ref: 010704. RH of Surrey asks: Can anyone recommend a 4 x 4 pick up preferably petrol driven which could be converted to run on LPG as a dual fuel vehicle?

Replies: 010704-1 AV of Derbys says: The Peak National Park have been looking at this question for some time. Unfortunately, almost every 4x4 pickup is diesel. The only petrol ones are V6 'gas-guzzlers' made by the likes of Mitsubishi. Ford were supposed to be looking into it for their Ranger, using the Transit type engine but I've heard nothing for a while.

010704-2 RB in Scotland says: I've owned & been driving a Land Rover 90 for the past 4 years which we converted to LPG. We also upgraded the engine to 3.5, but still get a very good return for money. The conversion was done by Wellside Motors at Scotlandwell. You can find accredited dealers at this site here: http://www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/lpg_conversions/lpg_vehicle_conversion.htm The only slight downside is reduced space in the back & a slight loss of low-end power in low-ratio. However, it may be an idea to just run through what uses you're going to need the vehicle for & go from there. Hope this helps

Q&A ref: 170604. I have been off work for 1 year and they need to know when I can return to work. I am still sick and unable to let them know when I can return. My job is at risk. What can I do? (Details supplied)

Replies: 170604-1. You should seek proper advice on your position - try your local Citizen's Advice Bureau, and perhaps your GP who may be able to help explain the situation to your employers. Good luck. Details supplied.

Q&A ref: 110504 EH of North Yorkshire says: I'm a student, studying my HND in Horticulture with a view to carrying on to "top-up" to my degree in Sustainable land use and Practises (Environmental Management) and was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that might be able to help me out with a paid, 3 or 4 month placement? I would really appreciate the experience, however I can't embark on a volunteer program, as I have other commitments, which mean I need to earn money.

Q&A ref: 280404.  MH of Dundee asks: Hi there! I was wondering if anybody had any advice for me on where I could be looking for a job. I'm about to graduate with a degree in Biology from Dundee University and would like to go into the area of conservation/environmental protection. I am looking to stay in Scotland at the moment but would be willing to travel. Does anybody know of any other helpful sites? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Replies: 280404-1 from JX : on this website, click on 'links' and scroll down to 'Simple guide to countryside jobs'. Probably the most comprehensive list I've found to date.

 

We have the same House Rules as for the Main Board, please read these before sending your question or answer. To send a question or reply to a previously posted query...   

please click here.

 

The views contained on this page are not necessary those held by CJS.