Outdoor job??

[wrogers]

I am taking a gap year before Uni to have a relax from studying, and to earn some money before going off to Uni...

I am now trying to find a job, in a failing economy and I am trying to find a job where I work outdoors a lot, to stay fit, and because I hate being cooped up indoors all the time.

but I am struggling to find a job doing conservation in the Suffolk area...
Can anyone help with suggestions
and also add to a list of agencies (eg Forestry commission) and charities to have a google for??

I have currently tried:
RSPB
Forestry Commission
DEFRA
Woodland Trust

my other problem is that without going to Uni yet, I haven't got an Undergraduate Degree, or an HND in countryside management...
can anyone advise whether volunteering for a few months before trying for a job would make me qualified enough to apply??

thanks
Will

[flower_girl]

From my experience, volunteering definately helped me get a conservation job (but then so did my qualifications)...

It really helps in job interviews to talk about previous volunteering as it shows you have experience and skills rather than just knowledge.

How about trying BTCV or your local Wildlife Trust?

I appreciate you need money to live and volunteering doesn't always fit in with that but if you can volunteer it will really help with futher job applications within the environmental field. How about a temporary job with flexible hours to pay bills whilst volunteering in conservation at the same time? (not easy I know).

Just thought -you could also try the National Trust?

Or how about doing some gardening? It's outside, pays the bills and is definately a good break from studying. And start thinking about your conservation career after uni?? (and get volunteering done in free time/when at uni). Just an idea...??

[Jenny W]

No chance of a conservation job without at least vol work and more often than not an academic qual as well, so definitely go for the voluntary work (I dare say a few jammy people manage it though!)

3 things you generally need for your first conservation job are-

Degree/HND in the subject (or a very similar subject that is relevant)

Lots of vol work doing a wide range of things eg. practical habitat management, estate skills, survey and monitoring, education etc.

At least some tickets (eg. chainsaw, brushcutter, tractor etc.)

It's not as difficult to get into as some people think though - you just have to have the right quals and experience.

Check out the RSPB Residential Volunteering Scheme. You can vol full time and get to live in an RSPB property with free rent and bills - just food and general spending money needed.

[ron1863]

Volunteer work, especially in your field can only be a benefit for you, especially at interviews as it shows future employers that you hae a genuine interest.

[Apackofangrybats]

It's really hard to get a job in conservation with no experience. Employers want to see that you have experience in the field, office and coordinating volunteer workdays. I'd suggest volunteering full time for a few months with either National Trust or your local Wildlife Trust. Full driving licence is an essential for almost all outdoor jobs.

Have a look on Environment Jobs or Countryside Job Service. There should be regular vacancies for assistant ranger and warden jobs.

[wrogers]

thank you for the replies!!

unfortunately at the moment my parents have a puppy for me to look after, but when he is old enough (he is currently 11 weeks) I will look at volunteering...

Thanks for the replies

Will