Gamekeeper

You can get into this job through:

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

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

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

This takes up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

More Information

Career Tips

Some jobs include accommodation and work vehicle as part of the employment package.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a gamekeeper from the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and Lantra .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work on your own
• customer service skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

You'll need a firearms or shotgun certificate for some jobs.

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work on a country estate or in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

With experience you could:

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