Senior Rights of Way and Definitive Map Technical Officer

Staffordshire County Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a Senior Rights of Way & Definitive Map Technical Officer to join the team in maintaining and enhancing the Definitive Map and spatial data. You will respond to enquiries, analyse evidence, and support decision-making across the Rights of Way service.

The role requires a Level 4 qualification or equivalent, strong GIS and mapping skills, and the ability to supervise and collaborate with colleagues and other agencies. A busy, varied workload is expected.

Qualifications

• A Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience relating to rights of way, geography, mapping or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of public rights of way legislation, policy and practice.
• Thorough technical knowledge and practical experience of cartography, using GIS and managing spatial and environmental data.
• Good IT skills, including experience of using Microsoft Office applications, databases and GIS to manage information and produce outputs.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate maps, spatial data and evidence to support outcomes.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to handle demanding conversations professionally.
• Experience of supervising or coordinating the work of others

Responsibilities

• Respond to Rights of Way and Definitive Map routine and complex enquiries from diverse sources.
• Maintain and update the Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement and related spatial data.
• Contribute to data analysis, mapping, and evidence gathering to support decisions.
• Assist in preparing reports, briefings and information for officers and members.
• Support service improvements through data review and analysis.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and allocate work to Technical Officers as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external agencies to resolve issues and deliver positive outcomes.

Skills

GIS

Mapping

Public rights of way

Data analysis

Team supervision

Communication

Education

Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Take the next step in your Public Rights of Way career

Are you looking to build on your Rights of Way experience and develop your expertise in Definitive Map processes, spatial information and GIS?

We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Rights of Way & Definitive Map Technical Officer to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity, working alongside experienced colleagues responding to enquiries, analysing evidence and spatial information, maintaining and improving the Definitive Map and Statement and supporting decision-making across the Rights of Way service.

Main Responsibilities

Looking for a role where no two weeks are the same? You'll be involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Responding to Rights of Way and Definitive Map routine and complex enquiries from a variety of sources.
• Maintain and update the Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement, associated registers and other environmental spatial data.
• Support the team's functions by contributing and analysing evidence, mapping and data.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, briefings and information for officers and members.
• Contribute to service improvements through data analysis and review.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and allocate work to Technical Officers as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other agencies to resolve issues and deliver positive outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate

The minimum criteria that will be used to shortlist for this role will be:

• A Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience or relevant technical or professional qualifications relating to rights of way, geography, mapping or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of public rights of way legislation, policy and practice.
• Thorough technical knowledge and practical experience of cartography, using GIS and managing spatial and environmental data.
• Good IT skills, including experience of using Microsoft Office applications, databases and GIS to manage information and produce accurate outputs.
• The ability to interpret and evaluate maps, spatial data and supporting evidence, identifying key issues and applying judgement to support outcomes.
• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly and build positive relationships including the confidence to handle demanding conversations professionally.
• Experience of supervising or coordinating the work of others

Other desirable criteria include:

• Experience researching and interpreting maps, historical records and supporting evidence relevant to the Definitive Map.
• Experience of assessing and presenting data and evidence to support operational delivery and approach.
• Experience handling complex enquiries and applying sound judgement to reach solutions.
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Experience of supervising or coordinating the work of others
• Effective organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload, maintain accurate records and balancing demands.
• A willingness to undertake accompanied site visits and travel independently to locations across the county as required.

Interviews will be held on Friday 16th October in person at Staffordshire Place 1.

This is afixed term role until 31st March 2028and is subject to satisfactory references and clearances.

Shona Frost, Definitive Map and Spatial Information Team Manager at: [e-mail] or Della Burgess, Development Officer (Rights of Way), [e-mail]

Our Recruitment Process:

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

Please note: The minimum criteria in the ideal candidate section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes, detailed below.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as yourapplication meets the minimum criteria for the post.