Landscape Manager
The Work
Landscape managers, also known as countryside and woodlands officers,
ecologists, reserve wardens or rights of way officers, are responsible
for the care of new and existing landscapes. They deal with the planning
of short-term and long-term development of the land, and may advise
on alternative uses for land, including the likely effects of each
alternative. 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.
Much of the practical side of the landscape manager's work consists of biological surveys. These involve listing the plants, birds, animals and insects that inhabit a site, the type of soil and the site's drainage, plus the local geography. Landscape managers write management plans, which can be on a short-term maintenance basis as well as longer-term developmental needs.
Landscape managers are also involved in the letting and administration of contracts to manage and maintain the land. Once the contract is awarded, they go out on site to supervise the contractors, volunteers and others who carry out the work on the ground.
Landscape managers may also be called to advise in planning applications and public enquiries prior to major construction projects.
They often work with other professionals such as landscape architects and landscape scientists.
Hours and Conditions
Hours of work can be long and irregular, with evening and weekend work common.
Landscape managers work outdoors in all weathers for much of the time. The work can be physically demanding with a lot of walking, and possibly climbing. Some time is spent indoors dealing with administrative tasks or attending meetings.
Those who work in the private sector may spend a lot of time travelling to sites. They may occasionally have to stay away from home. A driving licence is usually necessary.
Skills and Interests
To work as a landscape manager, you should:
Training
Training is normally on-the-job.
Associate membership of the Landscape Institute (LI) is open to those who have completed an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification. Contact LI for details of accredited courses.
To become a fully qualified Member of the LI (MLI) and a Chartered Landscape Architect, two years of approved work experience as an Associate Member is required. A written and spoken examination must also be passed.
Landscape managers may work towards NVQs / SVQs in Amenity Horticulture at Level 4 or Environmental Conservation (Landscapes and Ecosystems) at Level 3.
It may be possible to join the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. The Institute has Student, Affiliate and Full Membership grades. Contact the Institute for details.
Opportunities
There are opportunities throughout the UK. Employers include local government and central government departments, and companies involved in building, civil engineering, mining, power supply and land reclamation. Landscape managers may also work for organisations such as The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland and English Nature. Some may work in private practice.
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.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The starting salary for a graduate landscape manager can be between £13,000 to £16,500 a year.
Most qualified managers earn £20,000 or more a year.
Almost half of all qualified managers earn over £25,000+ a year.
Further Information
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The Landscape Institute
Tel: 020 7350 5200
www.l-i.org.uk
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Tel: 01962 868626
www.ieem.org.uk
