Rights of Way Path Improvement Project Officer

We are expanding our team and have two new posts. Do you want to help shape the future improvements of Public Rights of Way and access provision for Staffordshire? And are you interested in delivering an excellent service? Yes? Then this may be the job for you.

Join our Rights of Way team at Staffordshire County Council and you will join a busy, friendly team that takes real pride in what they do and the services provided.

We are seeking two individuals who understand public rights of way and access management and have expertise and skills in the improvement and development of Public Rights of Way.

The primary focus of the role is to liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to design, develop, maintain and coordinate the path improvement programme. Project managing the delivery of improvement schemes and multi-faceted works across Staffordshire Rights of Way network.

The successful candidates will have proven experience of managing projects within Public Rights of Way and/or highways, planning and development. You will be able to display excellent organisation and communication skills and be able to successfully manage projects that include the application of construction design management processes and risk management.

If you are looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact and be part of a team driving positive change, we would love to hear from you.

This is a Fixed Term appointment until 31 March 2027, working 37 hours per week Monday to Friday. The work is typically office based with hybrid working.

In this role you will:

• Plan and deliver a prioritised programme of path improvements across Staffordshire’s Rights of Way network, ensuring safety and accessibility.
• Lead project management of improvement schemes, including budget control, stakeholder engagement, and use of volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Construction Design Management (CDM)and environmental regulations throughout project delivery.
• Support funding bids, policy development, and continuous improvement of service standards and specifications.
• Maintain accurate records using GIS and other systems to support monitoring, reporting, and efficient service delivery.
• Represent the Council at meetings and forums, promoting Rights of Way interests and engaging with communities and landowners.

You will have:

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as geography, environment, construction, or project management.
• Strong knowledge of Public Rights of Way legislation, asset management, and Health & Safety, including CDM regulations.
• Proven experience in planning and delivering construction-related projects, including procurement and contractor management.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and partnership working to support successful project outcomes.
• Proficient in project planning, financial monitoring, and managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Confident user of IT systems including GIS and databases to support project delivery and reporting.

“We’re happy to talk flexible working”

Interviews will be held 2 and 7 October 2025.

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences and qualifications so consider applying anyway. For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside, at sarah.bentley@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.

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.