At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and maintain Staffordshire's public rights of way network while working outdoors.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused organisation with a commitment to the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Field-based role with hybrid working; interviews on 9th September 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by ensuring safe access to beautiful landscapes.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in geography, environment, or construction; negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26493 - 32381 £ per year.
Are you passionate about the countryside and committed to helping people enjoy Staffordshire's outstanding landscapes safely and responsibly? We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Rights of Way Team, playing a key role in managing and maintaining Staffordshire's public rights of way network.
As a Rights of Way Officer, you will be responsible for inspecting routes across the network, identifying issues, and working collaboratively with landowners, local communities, and other stakeholders to resolve them. You will help ensure that paths remain accessible, safe, and well managed for residents and visitors alike. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, building positive relationships, and making a tangible difference to the local environment and communities. You will need to be able to access remote areas beyond the reach of public transport, covering a large area, working alone but also at times with others and in all weather. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can contribute to the protection and enhancement of Staffordshire's countryside, we would love to hear from you. This is a 37 hours per week fixed term role until 31st March 2028 and is subject to satisfactory references and clearances. The work is field based with hybrid working.
Main Responsibilities
- Ensure the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network is open and accessible, conducting inspections and audits to meet legal requirements.
- Investigate, negotiate, and resolve issues on the PRoW network, advising and engaging with stakeholders.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with landowners, user groups, and councils to encourage community involvement.
- Advise and negotiate with landowners on lawful changes to the PRoW network.
- Organise and implement enforcement procedures, process applications for changes, and respond to formal notices.
- Contribute to the preparation and implementation of plans, processes, and reports, including the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
The Ideal Candidate
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. geography, environment, construction etc).
- Knowledge and understanding of rights of way legislation, policy and practice in England.
- Technical understanding of rights of way issues and solutions.
- Experience and track record of successful negotiation and dispute resolution.
- Ability to interpret maps and legal information.
- Ability to undertake regular site visits in a lone working situation where public transport may not be available and involving difficult terrain.
- Effective communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrable computer skills, using Microsoft packages.
Interviews will be held on 9th September 2026. Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
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.
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 backgrounds 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.
Rights of Way Officer in Stafford employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rights of Way Officer in Stafford
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at WMJobs through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Rights of Way Officer in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with WMJobs. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at WMJobs. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
