Access Officer

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

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council in Stevenage is seeking an Access Officer to join the Countryside & Rights of Way Service. The role blends field inspection of Public Rights of Way with constructive problem-solving and community engagement, requiring strong communication and practical knowledge of PROW legislation.

Hybrid working and a pro-rata part-time option are available. You will inspect faults, liaise with landowners and volunteers, oversee contractor works and respond to public enquiries to

Qualifications

• Experience working with Public Rights of Way or countryside access.
• Practical knowledge of Public Rights of Way legislation.
• Proven positive engagement with landowners, volunteers and the public.
• Full manual driving licence required; travel across Hertfordshire.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Public Rights of Way experience

Landowner engagement

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Driving licence

Job description

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

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.

Essential criteria:

• 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:

Job profiles: Technical services

To hear more about this opportunity please contact [e-mail] or [e-mail] an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: TBC

Additional Information

We are changing

Hertfordshire County Council is 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 aDisability Confident employerand 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.