Rights of Way Officer
| Posting date: | 18 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,366 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 July 2025 |
| Location: | BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP30 9ND |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19538 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council – Rougham Service Centre, Rougham, IP30 9ND
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Rights of Way Officer, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
- Do you have experience in the Access and Natural Environment sector?
- Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding role?
- Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people living and working in Suffolk?
Have you wondered what goes on in the Rights of Way and Green Access Team in Suffolk? Learn about the roles and responsibilities necessary to care for over 3,500 miles of rights of way in Suffolk by clicking on this link.
Your role and responsibilities
- Working across a large geographical area in the West of Suffolk, in a technical role delivering the maintenance and protection of the Rights of Way and Access network.
- Engaging with a variety of stakeholders to respond to changing demands and priorities. Identifying and actively developing opportunities to improve the rights of way network and people’s ability to use it, in line with the Green Access Strategy
- Preparing, directing and delivering work programmes and projects, through contractors and volunteers, to required standards, including associated budget management and application of associated regulations
- Delivering the effective protection of the public's rights to use the rights of way network including statutory enforcement
- Effectively managing your own time to monitor and respond to reports, liaising with colleagues and dealing with members of the public, contractors, landowners, parish councils, councillors and other key stakeholders
- Acting as a local champion for the rights of way and access network.
You will need
- a degree/HND or similar level qualification or equivalent experience
- knowledge of rights of way and access maintenance and protection procedures, and legislation or associated discipline
- experience of managing your own caseload within a team environment
- attention to detail in relation to various forms of information
- the ability to interpret sources, problem solve, put forward a range of options and make judgements on complex issues
- communication, influencing and negotiating skills, particularly in a front-line service context
- to be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
- strong organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage a high volume of work and competing demands.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Rights of Way and Access team is part of the Natural and Historic Environment Department. It is a friendly and professional team looking after Suffolk’s Rights of Way and access network. This includes 5,700km of public rights of way, open access and informal routes. Suffolk County Council’s ‘Suffolk Green Access Strategy 2020-2030’ covers the team’s main priorities with the vision “to get more people using and enjoying Suffolk’s green access network.”
The Operations Team sits within Rights of Way and Access, with the specific role of maintaining and protecting the Rights of way network and developing and delivering practical work schemes.
The team is highly motivated with a passion for Suffolk’s natural environment.
We will offer you a highly rewarding role working across the county with a wide variety of people passionate about Suffolk and access and the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in Access and the Natural Environment.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact James Pickerin for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 741352 or emailing james.pickerin@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Question 1 - Give an example of a time when you have successfully led and managed a team to deliver a project or work programme. What approaches did you take and what was the outcome?
Question 2 – Describe a situation where you have used your knowledge of rights of way legislation and procedures to take enforcement action and protect public rights. How did you approach this and what was the outcome?
Question 3 – Describe a situation where you have had to manage competing priorities and a high workload. How did you approach this and what was the outcome? .
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Interview date: Monday 7 or Thursday 10 July 2025.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £33,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Rights of Way Officer, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
- Do you have experience in the Access and Natural Environment sector?
- Would you like to work in an incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding role?
- Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people living and working in Suffolk?
Have you wondered what goes on in the Rights of Way and Green Access Team in Suffolk? Learn about the roles and responsibilities necessary to care for over 3,500 miles of rights of way in Suffolk by clicking on this link.
Your role and responsibilities
- Working across a large geographical area in the West of Suffolk, in a technical role delivering the maintenance and protection of the Rights of Way and Access network.
- Engaging with a variety of stakeholders to respond to changing demands and priorities. Identifying and actively developing opportunities to improve the rights of way network and people’s ability to use it, in line with the Green Access Strategy
- Preparing, directing and delivering work programmes and projects, through contractors and volunteers, to required standards, including associated budget management and application of associated regulations
- Delivering the effective protection of the public's rights to use the rights of way network including statutory enforcement
- Effectively managing your own time to monitor and respond to reports, liaising with colleagues and dealing with members of the public, contractors, landowners, parish councils, councillors and other key stakeholders
- Acting as a local champion for the rights of way and access network.
You will need
- a degree/HND or similar level qualification or equivalent experience
- knowledge of rights of way and access maintenance and protection procedures, and legislation or associated discipline
- experience of managing your own caseload within a team environment
- attention to detail in relation to various forms of information
- the ability to interpret sources, problem solve, put forward a range of options and make judgements on complex issues
- communication, influencing and negotiating skills, particularly in a front-line service context
- to be a confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills
- strong organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage a high volume of work and competing demands.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Rights of Way and Access team is part of the Natural and Historic Environment Department. It is a friendly and professional team looking after Suffolk’s Rights of Way and access network. This includes 5,700km of public rights of way, open access and informal routes. Suffolk County Council’s ‘Suffolk Green Access Strategy 2020-2030’ covers the team’s main priorities with the vision “to get more people using and enjoying Suffolk’s green access network.”
The Operations Team sits within Rights of Way and Access, with the specific role of maintaining and protecting the Rights of way network and developing and delivering practical work schemes.
The team is highly motivated with a passion for Suffolk’s natural environment.
We will offer you a highly rewarding role working across the county with a wide variety of people passionate about Suffolk and access and the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in Access and the Natural Environment.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact James Pickerin for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 741352 or emailing james.pickerin@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Question 1 - Give an example of a time when you have successfully led and managed a team to deliver a project or work programme. What approaches did you take and what was the outcome?
Question 2 – Describe a situation where you have used your knowledge of rights of way legislation and procedures to take enforcement action and protect public rights. How did you approach this and what was the outcome?
Question 3 – Describe a situation where you have had to manage competing priorities and a high workload. How did you approach this and what was the outcome? .
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Interview date: Monday 7 or Thursday 10 July 2025.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.