Assistant Rights of Way Officer

Overview

The Rights of Way Operations Team is looking to recruit an Assistant Rights of Way Officer. The successful applicant will be part of a small team of experienced officers carrying out inspections and assessments of the condition of the rights of way network across 2000+ miles of path, that give access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the Southeast of England.

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

In this role you will help to manage the network of public rights of way in Buckinghamshire.

This busy and challenging role will cover the northern area of the County. You will help with the day to day management of 2200 miles of public rights of way, reporting to the Rights of Way Operations Team Leader and the Area Rights of Way Officers. The main responsibilities are, to help co-ordinate Maintenance Works with the Rights of Way Work Gangs, Path Maintenance Volunteers, Parish Councils and landowners, carry out inspections to assess maintenance and enforcement issues which have been reported by the public, record customer complaints and feedback to customers on progress to resolve issues, and update records on the Rights of Way database. The post carries a high-volume workload in one of the most popular walking and riding areas in the country.

You will need good organisational skills and the ability to remain focussed on the task. It is a challenging role, which will ideally suit you if you are educated to degree level or equivalent. Previous knowledge of rights of way management would be advantageous but not essential. You must be computer literate, preferably with GIS database skills.

The successful applicant will have an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution while working on and promoting some of the best walking and riding environments in the UK.

Mobile:

A ‘mobile’ role gives you the flexibility to schedule your own diary, so you can meet with colleagues and clients in a variety of locations. You’ll access digital folders and resources on your laptop and be able to use the network wherever you are based. Working from home will be common, as well as meeting your team in the office where necessary.

For anyone who is passionate about public access to the natural environment, this is an opportunity to work in an extremely rewarding profession, alongside supportive colleagues, and team members, which will offer a unique opportunity to develop knowledge and skills.

Key Accountabilities

• Maintaining close working relationships within team, with colleagues and other partners and stakeholders.
• Organising a wide range of practical work, (signposting, gates, bridgeworks, surfacing, and drainage works, etc.) with RoW work gangs.
• Maintain records in the GIS/database covering all aspects of RoW work and ensuring all processes and systems are applied consistently across the County and assist with general and other administrative work proposed.
• Help ensure that paths remain free from all obstructions, securing removal of problems through liaison with landowners, escalating enforcement issues to an Area RoW officer or the Team Leader when appropriate

 

About you

The successful candidate will be passionate about access to the countryside, and the maintenance, protection, and enhancement of the public rights of way network, across all user groups.

Educated to degree level or equivalent or experience within Rights of Way Management Role or other similar land management background, have good communication skills with the ability to understand and explain the legislation relevant to a particular case.  

Have good ICT/GIS and organisational skills and map reading skills, be able to prepare maps and plans for specific sites, and be confident to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.

Know when assistance is required on a case, and draw necessary experience from other team members when required; and work within the team environment to problem solve and develop best practice.

For full details please see the attached job summary.

Other information

To discuss the post please contact Joanne Taylor, Rights of Way Operations Team Leader on 01296 383410.  [email protected]

Number of positions available: 2

Closing date: Wednesday 29th July 2026

Interview date: TBC

Interview-type : In-person

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 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.

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.

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.

About the Business Unit

Our Communities directorate works across the county to deliver a number of the key customer-facing services that our residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day. 

This directorate includes a wide range of services, including:

• collecting and disposing of waste and recycling
• maintaining our roads and Rights of Way network and parking
• ensuring the delivery of school transport, and supporting sustainable travel including public bus services and School Crossing Patrollers
• managing Country Parks
• leisure facilities, museums, theatres and libraries, as well as developing our Cultural Strategy
• Licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards
• Cemeteries and Crematoria

The customer is central to how we develop and deliver all of these services, which help promote our rich and vibrant culture and special environment. 

We are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious and committed individuals to join our team and help us to continue to make Buckinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit. This is an exciting time for us as we bring together the services previously run by five separate councils before Buckinghamshire Council was created. Whilst making major changes to contracts affecting residents across Bucks, we continue to focus on delivering great customer service. You will join us on our journey of continuous improvement - whether that’s through developing strategies and ways of working or delivering services on the ground, every person in Communities is a valued member of the team.

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/