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We’re looking for a full-time, permanent Rights of Way Officer to join our Public Rights of Way Team. You’ll help protect and improve Oxfordshire’s network of paths so people can safely enjoy the countryside.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an experienced and supportive team responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving Oxfordshire’s public rights of way network.

For the selection criteria and full details of the role, please refer to the Job Description. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Team Leader, on 07770 831005, or Senior Public Rights of Way Officer on 07860 330370.

About the Role
The post will cover a district area within Oxfordshire, a county that includes the Chilterns, Cotswolds and North Wessex Downs National Landscapes, as well as historic Oxford City and a wide range of rural and urban communities. With 2,800 miles of public rights of way, Oxfordshire offers a diverse and rewarding working environment for an Officer who is passionate about countryside access and the public’s ability to enjoy the natural environment.

As a Rights of Way Officer, you will oversee a varied caseload in support of the Council’s responsibilities as Highway Authority. This will include investigating and resolving access issues, supporting the maintenance and improvement of the network, liaising with landowners, user groups, parish councils and local communities, and using legal enforcement powers to protect public access.
You will help ensure that public rights of way are safe, accessible and available for public use, while balancing the needs of land management, local communities, environmental considerations and statutory requirements. The role will involve site inspections, practical problem solving, negotiation, preparation of correspondence and reports, and working with colleagues across the wider Countryside Access service
About you
We are looking for a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and confident countryside access professional with proven experience of public rights of way management. You will be a proactive self-starter with strong organisational, communication and negotiation skills, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. You should be comfortable dealing with a wide range of stakeholders and able to explain technical or legal matters clearly, proportionately and professionally.
This is an opportunity to make a visible and lasting contribution to access provision across Oxfordshire, helping people to enjoy and connect with the county’s countryside while supporting the effective management of a nationally significant public rights of way network.
Rewards and benefits
Access to a works electric van

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.
Our commitment to :Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: countryside@oxfordshire.gov.uk