Assistant Countryside Officer

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? Our Environment & Countryside service is more than just a team - we are a force of nature! With a passion for preserving and enhancing Staffordshire's natural beauty, we are on a mission to create a landscape that inspires and captivates all who encounter it. From enchanting country parks, copious reservoirs, and sprawling greenways, we are committed to shaping a future where every corner of Staffordshire has something to offer visitors to Staffordshire's Countryside.

You will be based at our depot in Werrington, though you will be required to work from other County Council locations as needed. The Country Parks Team operates seven days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Standard hours are 37 hours per week, worked over five days with two (generally consecutive) rest days. This role is fixed-term for two years.

We are looking for a practical person to help shape the future of our country parks. The role is extremely varied; you will:

• Work closely with our Countryside Officers delivering practical habitat and maintenance works,
• Patrol sites to ensure they are safe, clean, and secure,
• Provide practical support for the delivery of events and visitor activities.

Working with the wider Country Parks Team, you will:

• Lead volunteer work parties,
• Undertake site inspections and assist with site habitat and species surveys,
• Engage visitors and stakeholders to promote the work of the Environment and Countryside Team.

You will have:

• A strong practical focus and be capable of extended periods of physical work. Tasks will involve work on various terrains (e.g., steep slopes, wet ground) including grassland management/restoration, heathland and woodland management, maintaining fire breaks and fencing.
• Experience using and maintaining forestry and grounds maintenance equipment, along with other practical countryside skills such as fencing, hedgelaying, or similar.
• A passion, interest, and knowledge of the natural and historic environment, with some experience engaging with the public to promote understanding of nature conservation and heritage.
• A current driver's license is essential; experience driving plant and machinery is desirable.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options.

For more information about this role, please contact Steve Spackman, Assistant Country Parks Manager, at steve.spackman@staffordshire.gov.uk. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 9th June 2025.

We are no ordinary county council:

The core of who we are as an organization. Just like personal values shape individual behavior, organizational values guide our collective actions. Created through staff feedback and best practices, these values are central to our People Strategy: We foster a sense of community and pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire residents. We are ambitious and forward-looking, aiming for a better future. We look forward and race ahead — that applies to your career as well.

We recognize that our employees are central to our success. We strive to create a supportive work environment where you can reach your full potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, staff have access to our rewards and benefits program — Careers at Staffordshire.

As an organization committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities. As part of our Disability Confident initiative, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer, and our support for care leavers, we offer a guaranteed interview if your application meets the minimum criteria. This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please disclose any unspent or unfiltered spent reprimands, warnings, cautions, or convictions in your application if applicable.