Public Rights of Way Field Officer

Grade: G

Salary: £22,627 - £24,982

Vacancy Hours: - 37 hours

Contract Type: - Permanent

Location: Northallerton

Venue for Interview: - Remote - Online

Two exciting practical opportunities have arisen to work in the Countryside Access Service of the Business and Environmental Services Directorate. 

Our Team

North Yorkshire has the largest network of Public Rights of Way in England, our Access Maintenance Team are based out of Northallerton and will predominantly cover the North and West of the County outside the National Parks and are responsible for ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties for the management and maintenance of the public rights of way network. Working with colleagues, partners, landowners and volunteers the role of Field Officer will contribute to the delivery of high-quality public access to the countryside.

The Role

As our Public Rights of Way Field Officer you will be responsible for inspecting and monitoring the condition of the PRoW network and various Council assets such as signposts and bridges, identify maintenance requirements, undertake simple or temporary practical repairs and seasonal maintenance tasks, provide initial service contact for landowners and customers, and monitor and supervise contractors and volunteers in their work on the network. In addition to these duties, you will assist colleagues in the Countryside Access Service to ensure a coordinated and effective service is delivered and provide support to the Public Rights of Way Officers in their role to resolve issues such as the signposting of the network, monitoring the seasonal vegetation cutting programme, securing the removal of obstructions and the maintenance of the surface of the routes.  

What you’ll bring to the team

To be successful you must have: -

• Ability to effectively prioritise work and communicate effectively within the team on all work matters.
• A good working knowledge of countryside access, highways and public rights of way legislation and guidance.
• Computer skills covering Microsoft Office and digital mapping. In addition to this a working knowledge and experience in using paper-based Ordnance Survey maps of various scales
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements in undertaking practical tasks in the countryside
• Knowledge and experience in using basic maintenance tools, equipment and machinery
• Ability to make decisions regarding and managing a large and complex workload including problem solving and finding pragmatic solutions.
• Experience in dealing with enquiries from landowners and the public.
• Ability to lead and manage volunteers on practical tasks.
• Good interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills to effectively provide information, advice and guidance to landowners, contractors and the public
• Current driving licence
• Flexible attitude to working hours

Working at North Yorkshire County Council

North Yorkshire County Council prides itself on being the biggest employer in North Yorkshire as well as being the employer of choice. Our vision is for North Yorkshire to be a thriving county which adapts to a changing world and remains a special place for everyone to live, work and visit. We are a top-rated authority and great changes are afoot to continue with the improvements that have already transformed working within the council.

We welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion and the strengths this brings to our communities and workforce, we aim to provide excellent and efficient local services enabling everyone to fulfil their potential, to do this we give everyone equal access to services and job opportunities. We heavily invest in the development of our employees, providing training and development to further enhance their careers.

We positively encourage flexible working and we provide you with the technology you need to work from a wide variety of locations. As a result of the Co-Vid19 pandemic you will be working remotely and flexibly from your home with opportunities to work at various NYCC offices as and when required.

We can offer you a comprehensive benefits package including: -

·       Continuous professional development; we invest in your personal development and your future

·       Flexible working hours

·       A local government pension scheme

·       Family friendly leave

·       Salary sacrifice schemes

·       Employee discount benefits

For an informal conversation please contact Brian Mullins, Principal Public Rights of Way Officer on 07808 058725 or email Brian.mullins@northyorks.gov.uk

 Key dates:

Closing date: Sunday 17 October 2021

Interview date: Wednesday 3 November 2021

Public Rights of Way Field Officer Job Description.docx