Working in visitor services and management including event management.

Many countryside sites and nature reserves welcome visitors or run events on and off site which promote the site, the organisation and explain the work being carried out to the general public as well as providing a source of income.

Some roles focus on the physical management of a visitor centre, others are of a more organisational type and deal with setting up and running promotional events on and off site as well as making provision for other groups who want to use the location. Some sites cater for holiday makers who stay in cottages and cabins or camp within the boundaries of the property, these bring another set of requirements.

If you're looking for Public Relations click here.

If you're looking for Interpretation click here.

Jobs and employment

Typical jobs include Visitor Centre Assistant / Manager, Events Programme Manager, Visitor Experience Officer, Recreation Ranger, Countryside Activities Officer, Beach Ranger, Visitor Attraction Manager.

The National Careers Service has role profiles of all of these and many more (click the links).

See current vacancies advertised with CJS here.

To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.

See current volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

Skills, training and CPD.

These type of jobs all require a basic understanding of the site, organisation or concepts being conveyed however these can usually be learnt on the job but candidates will need the ability to manage resources, organisation skills to set up events and be consummate communicators able to explain difficult concepts in simple terms. You may be required to manage volunteers, particularly for the event type roles.

For these type of roles a degree is not always necessary but prior experience is usually requested.