Senior Public Rights of Way Officer

How you’ll make a difference

As a Senior Public Rights of Way (PROW) Officer, you will manage a range of projects and programmes within the relevant legislative framework, covering the maintenance and enforcement of a 1,264km network of public paths and associated infrastructure.

Leading on the maintenance of legal records and orders, you will prepare and present reports to committee, as well as deliver technical advice to all stakeholders, supporting the delivery of a high-quality PROW network across the area.

What you will be doing

• Managing service requests and the conflicting demands of a busy workload, leading the team in delivering effective solutions and advice. This includes oversight of the dedicated PROW Ranger, volunteer work parties and operational teams supporting larger projects.
• Providing timely responses to planning proposals, ensuring the best outcomes for the network as it evolves through development. You will also meet reporting deadlines, deliver technical advice and provide training on the legal aspects of the service.
• Managing both revenue and capital budgets, ensuring best value for money, and leading on negotiations and liaison with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Overseeing compliance across the PROW asset, balancing a range of constraints such as impacts on the natural and built environment, to ensure best practice is followed and activities align with current protocols and case law.
• Taking lead on enforcement matters across the network while supporting PROW officers on maintenance, enforcement and planning issues.
• Managing a range of larger projects, including the emerging England Coast Path, working with partners and stakeholders to deliver high‑quality outcomes.

What we need from you

• You hold a relevant degree applicable to highways, networks or infrastructure, a post‑graduate qualification or have considerable equivalent relevant experience.
• You are a member of an appropriate professional body such as the Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management (IPROW).
• You have relevant practical experience, with a proven ability to manage and deliver technical services, including responsibility for service budgets.
• You can demonstrate an in‑depth knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework relating to PROW.
• You have experience using in‑house software and specialist systems to effectively manage workloads and service delivery.
• You possess excellent verbal communication skills, including experience in negotiation, handling challenging conversations and problem solving.
• It is desirable for you to hold an NVQ Level 4 management qualification or have relevant managerial experience.

What you need to know

• Due to the nature of this role, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement of employment.
• You must travel to a range of locations throughout South Gloucestershire, so you must hold a full valid driving licence and have access to a car or alternative means of travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.

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