Access Officer in Bishop Auckland

We are looking for an Access Officer to join our busy North Pennines National Landscape team. This vacancy is offered on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2029 (with the possibility of extension, subject to funding/business need).

You will enjoy working outdoors in the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. You should be a professional team worker with a ‘can-do’ attitude and be a great communicator. You should also be familiar with and accomplished at practical management of access to the countryside including public rights of way structures and surfaces, national and long-distance trail management, habitat management, and working with volunteers.

The role will include significant periods working outdoors, sometimes alone in inclement weather at sites accessed only on foot, so being able to meet the physical demands of the post is necessary.

You should have a minimum Level 4 NVQ in Countryside Management or a directly related subject of comparable grade and be able to demonstrate relevant experience. A good knowledge of nature conservation, visitor management, working with contractors, protected landscapes, countryside designation, protection and land management, alongside demonstrable skills in mentoring trainees and running public and educational events is desirable. More than that we want someone who will embrace the opportunities of the job to further develop their own skills and knowledge.

Access to own transport is essential as is a driving licence. A work mileage payment scheme is included. Uniform and PPE are included. Please note, some weekend and bank holiday work is involved.

If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.

Interviews will be held on 23 June. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working arrangements including hybrid working where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from noreply. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.