Rights of Way Officer

Job Introduction

Are you passionate about the countryside and committed to helping people enjoy Staffordshire's outstanding landscapes safely and responsibly?

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Rights of Way Team, playing a key role in managing and maintaining Staffordshire's public rights of way network.

As a Rights of Way Officer, you will be responsible for inspecting routes across the network, identifying issues, and working collaboratively with landowners, local communities, and other stakeholders to resolve them. You will help ensure that paths remain accessible, safe, and well managed for residents and visitors alike.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, building positive relationships, and making a tangible difference to the local environment and communities.

You will need to be able to access remote areas beyond the reach of public transport, covering a large area, working alone but also at times with others and in all weather.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can contribute to the protection and enhancement of Staffordshire's countryside, we would love to hear from you.

This is a 37 hours per week fixed term role until 31st March 2028 and is subject to satisfactory references and clearances.

The work is field based with hybrid working.

Main Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Ensure the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network is open and accessible, conducting inspections and audits to meet legal requirements.
• Investigate, negotiate, and resolve issues on the PRoW network, advising and engaging with stakeholders.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with landowners, user groups, and councils to encourage community involvement.
• Advise and negotiate with landowners on lawful changes to the PRoW network.
• Organise and implement enforcement procedures, process applications for changes, and respond to formal notices.
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of plans, processes, and reports, including the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have the below as a minimum:

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (eg geography, environment, construction etc)
• Knowledge and understanding of rights of way legislation, policy and practice in England
• Technical understanding of rights of way issues and solutions
• Experience and track record of successful negotiation and dispute resolution
• Ability to interpret maps and legal information
• Ability to undertake regular site visits in a lone working situation where public transport may not be available and involving difficult terrain
• Effective communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable computer skills, using Microsoft packages

Interviews will be held on 9th September 2026.

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact: Della Burgess, Development Officer at: della.burgess@staffordshire.gov.uk

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.