Access Officer

Hertfordshire; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council is seeking an Access Officer for the Stevenage area, working in a hybrid model. The role combines outdoor inspection with proactive problem solving to keep Public Rights of Way accessible and safe.

You will engage with landowners, volunteers and the public, arranging corrective works and guiding improvements. The successful candidate will have experience in countryside access, knowledge of relevant legislation, and a practical, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Experience working with Public Rights of Way, countryside access or land management.
• Good knowledge of Public Rights of Way legislation.
• Ability to engage with landowners, volunteers and the public.
• Strong communication and customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Inspecting network fault reports and identifying maintenance needs or accessibility improvements.
• Specifying, procuring and overseeing works by contractors.
• Engaging with landowners to resolve access issues and agree improvements.
• Supporting volunteers and community groups involved with local paths.
• Handling public enquiries in a helpful, informative way.
• Responding to planning consultations to protect and improve access.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Organisation

Driving licence

Rights of Way experience

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Stevenage Campus

£35,570 progressing to £38,510 per annum

Working Hours:

37.0

Location:

Closing Date:

18/10/2026

Job Category:

Countryside Management

Region / Division:

Job Introduction

Job Title: Access Officer
Starting Salary: £35,570 progressing to £38,510 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours:37
Location:Stevenage - Hybrid
Contract Type:Permanent
Directorate:

About the team

Hertfordshire’s network of Public Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways plays a huge role in helping people enjoy the outdoors, travel actively and feel connected to where they live. Our Countryside & Rights of Way Access Team is responsible for this network, working closely with local communities and landowners to keep routes open, safe and welcoming.

We’re looking for someone with strong, relevant experience in Public Rights of Way or countryside access work, who enjoys working with people and taking a constructive, solutions‑focused approach to resolving issues.

About the role

This is a varied, hands‑on role that combines time outdoors with collaborative problem‑solving. You’ll be out on the network inspecting fault reports and issues, talking with landowners, supporting volunteer teams and responding to enquiries from the public.

Duties include:

• Inspecting Public Rights of Way fault reports and identifying maintenance needs or accessibility improvements
• Specifying, procuring and overseeing works carried out by contractors
• Working positively and constructively with landowners to resolve access issues and agree improvements
• Supporting volunteers and community groups who care about their local paths
• Handling public enquiries in a helpful, informative and customer‑focused way
• Responding to planning consultations to make sure access to the network protected and opportunities for improvements are secured

You’ll be part of a wider Countryside & Rights of Way Service, working alongside colleagues in Definitive Map, Commons & Village Greens, Community Engagement and other specialist areas.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings experience of working directly with landowners and the public in a countryside or access setting, and who values cooperation, clear communication and building trust.

• Experience working with Public Rights of Way, countryside access or land management, with an understanding of what works well on the ground
• A practical knowledge of Public Rights of Way legislation
• A track record of positive engagement with landowners, volunteers and members of the public
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly and calmly
• A problem‑solving mindset focused on practical, agreed solutions
• The ability to organise your own work and manage a varied workload
• A full manual driving licence is essential, as travel across Hertfordshire is a key part of the role.

This role offers the chance to make a visible, lasting impact on a public asset that people really care about. You’ll be supported by a knowledgeable, collaborative team and given space to use your judgement, interpersonal skills and local insight.

If you enjoy working outdoors, engaging with communities and helping people enjoy Hertfordshire’s countryside responsibly, we’d love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation . We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 9. Please locate the job profile here:

Additional information

We are changing
Hertfordshire County Councilis undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Hertfordshire County on 1 April 2028, it is expected that most roles will transfer to the newly‑created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles .

LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. To find out more, visit https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a DisabilityConfident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.