Public Rights of Way Officer | County Hall, Preston

Salary £31067- £35235 per annum | Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston International Sponsorship - this role is not open to international sponsorship We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed, hardworking person to work initially on the public path network in connection with development across the County. The skills which we need, and which this post will provide the opportunity to demonstrate and develop include:

• Map reading and navigational skills
• Communication; face-to-face, telephone and written
• Initiative; assess, decide, implement, complete
• Persuasion and negotiation
• Application of policy and practice including legislation
• Organisation and record-keeping
Whilst the work is very varied, typically the role involves taking the highest priority reports of defects; checking available information including speaking to the developer/landowner; making a site visit to assess the issues and arranging for a resolution (which usually includes ordering work from a contractor, asking the landowner to do something or carrying out minor works at the time of the visit); updating the records. Are you looking to progress your career in public rights of way and access management? An exciting opportunity beckons you at Lancashire County Council. We are seeking to recruit a front-line Public Rights of Way Officer to prevent and resolve obstructions and defects (i.e. an enforcement and maintenance remit) particularly in connection with development. What we do Based in the Planning and Environment Service; the Public Rights of Way Team is responsible for the recording, protection, maintenance and improvement of Lancashire's 5500km of footpaths, bridleways and byways. The network provides unparalleled access to Lancashire's diverse and beautiful countryside and is vital in supporting the rural economy, tourism and health as well as access to amenities and services. It also provides links for sustainable travel in and around many urban areas. Over the last few years the importance to local residents and visitors of this access has been highlighted more than ever and you will help us to ensure access for users of the network. Purpose of this Role The role of the Rights of Way Officer is to ensure public rights of way across the County are free from obstruction and are in good repair. This is achieved by officers persuading, monitoring or taking enforcement action in connection with development; arranging for maintenance work, persuading land managers to remove obstructions, etc. Partners and Customers You will work closely with other members of the Public Rights of Way Team and also with developers, farmers, householders, businesses and developers as well as colleagues in other teams within Lancashire County Council and other public sector organisations.,
• You will lead on the management of public rights of way in a defined functional area (development) and assist colleagues managing public rights of way in their assigned geographical areas of the County.
• You will assess the issues and deliver solutions effectively and efficiently. Solutions might include direct action, persuading the developer/landowner to carry out work or ordering work from a contractor.
• You will deliver projects, often within tight timescales and including securing of external funding/ grants and non-financial assistance from partners.
  
  You will be able to demonstrate a record of turning problems into solutions.
• You will be able to display excellent communication, negotiation and persuasion skills.
• You will have excellent map reading.
• You will be able to follow procedures and to prioritise and manage your time effectively.
• You will have proven experience of working within Public Rights of Way.
• You will have good IT skills.
• You will be able to work outside and be able to navigate over difficult terrain in all weathers, often in remote locations, in and around Lancashire.
• You will have a full driving licence