Countryside Projects Officer

We are currently seeking two Countryside Projects Officers to join our Countryside & Wildlife Team. The team is responsible for maintaining and improving the county’s 500‑mile Public Rights of Way network, as well as managing a range of nature sites including local nature reserves.

We deliver practical, on‑the‑ground projects that make a real difference for nature and people, with work ranging from habitat restoration to improving public access across some of Neath Port Talbot’s most valued landscapes and green spaces. This is a role where you will see the direct impact of your work, develop a broad range of skills, and work as part of a supportive and passionate team. If you’re enthusiastic about the outdoors and keen to help care for and enhance public access and nature in Neath Port Talbot, this is a great place to work.

As a Countryside Projects Officer, you will carry out physical works to maintain and improve the Public Rights of Way (PROW) network, biodiversity sites and other access land, throughout Neath Port Talbot, as part of a two-person team. Your daily routine will include tasks such as:

• Installation and repair of access infrastructure such as steps, gates, kit bridges.
• Removal of obstructions to access on Public Rights of Way such as fallen trees.
• Liaison with landowners and other members of the public.
• Working as a 2‑man team often in remote locations within the county borough.

About you: Do you have:

• Experience in vegetation management and small‑scale construction e.g. kit bridges, drainage.
• Suitable land management training such as tree felling, pesticide use, tractor driving.
• Ability to work as a 2‑person team in remote outdoor locations.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Maths and English Level 1 and above.

About us: We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life:

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance.
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution.
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too).
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure.
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment.
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

Your workstyle in this role will require you to work from a fixed workplace.

For an informal discussion, please contact Lee Barrett on.

Interviews will be held on 17th June 2026.

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required.

Additional Information: Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot. We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees. We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.