Definitive Map Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about protecting public access and shaping the future of our countryside? Join Buckinghamshire Council as a Definitive Map Officer and play a vital role in protecting and developing the Public Rights of Way network. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex legal and environmental matters, including major infrastructure projects like HS2, while ensuring our communities stay connected to the landscapes they love.

We offer a career-graded role (Grade 5–6), providing clear progression opportunities as you develop your expertise. You’ll be part of a collaborative team within Highways and Technical Services, based at our Walton Street offices with flexible working options.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

As a Definitive Map Officer, you’ll manage and process legal changes to the Public Rights of Way network, including Public Path Orders, Definitive Map Modification Orders, and applications relating to Commons and Town/Village Greens. Your work will involve:

• Investigating and resolving complex legal and compliance issues.
• Researching historical evidence and interpreting legislation to maintain the Definitive Map and Statement.
• Preparing detailed reports and presenting cases to committees and public inquiries.
• Advising stakeholders and representing the Council in formal hearings.
• Supporting major infrastructure projects and ensuring public rights of way are protected.

 At Grade 6, you’ll take on more complex cases, lead investigations, and act as an expert witness at public inquiries, as well as prioritising workloads to meet strategic objectives.

About you

We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong communication skills. You’ll need:

• Knowledge & Experience: A solid understanding of Public Rights of Way legislation, including the Highways Act 1980 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Experience in Definitive Map investigations is essential.
• Skills: Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly. Strong organisational skills to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
• Qualifications: Educated to NVQ 3/HNC level (Grade 5) or NVQ 4/Degree level (Grade 6), with a full driving license.
• Personal Attributes: Proud, ambitious, collaborative, and trustworthy – you’ll uphold the Council’s values and deliver high standards every day.

If you’re ready to make a difference and help shape the future of Buckinghamshire’s countryside, we’d love to hear from you.

Other information

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Claire Hudson at [email protected] for an informal discussion.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/