Area Public Rights of Way Officer - Maidstone District

Role Responsibility

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified candidate looking for the opportunity for a career in public rights of way and countryside access.

The Public Rights of Way and Access Service is responsible for the recording, protection, maintenance and improvement of Kent’s 6900 km of footpaths, bridleways and byways in the ‘Garden of England’. The network provides unparalleled access to Kent’s countryside and is vital in supporting the rural economy, tourism and health as well as access to amenities and services.

With hybrid working and an office location based at our Kings Hill Office, near West Malling you will be part of a supportive, dedicated, and enthusiastic team. As the first point of contact for the Maidstone area, you will undertake a variety of operational duties particularly in respect to the maintenance, enforcement and protection of PROW in this beautiful part of the county. You will be confident to be able to work at many levels and to represent the service in an authoritative, helpful and confident manner, often in difficult situations. You will work closely with the general public, landowners, local councils and other agencies.

The post carries a high-volume workload. You will be able to display excellent organisation and communication skills, be able to prioritise and manage your time effectively. You will have excellent I.T. skills.

You will be required to work outside as well as in all weathers. You will often be working in remote locations on your own around Kent.  This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.  

As a member of the team, you will also have access to a competitive range of benefits, including:

You will be required to work outside as well as in all weathers. You will often be working in remote locations on your own around Kent.  This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.  

As a member of the team, you will also have access to a competitive range of benefits, including:

- an excellent local government pension scheme

- flexible working

- a generous holiday entitlement of 27 days (raising to 29 after 5 years service (KR7) or 29 days raising to 30 days after 5 years service (KR8-9)

- training and career development opportunities

- access to a range of local and national discounts and cashback through our  Kent Rewards website

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Please note that the vacancy is a career grade and job offers will depend on the experience and knowledge of the successful candidate based on the competencies listed at the bottom of each job description. Once appointed, it is open to an employee to apply to move to the next grade once they feel they have developed the required competencies to progress. Typically an applicant new to public rights of way work should expect an offer of KR7.

Contact Details

David Munn - 03000 414121 - david.munn@kent.gov.uk

About the Company

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.