Countryside Access Officer at Wiltshire Council

Salisbury, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Oct, 26

Salary

39152.0

Posted On

06 Jul, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Countryside Management, Access Management, Legislative Knowledge, Practical Maintenance, Communication, Negotiation, Administrative Skills, IT Skills, Mapping Systems, Contractor Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement

Industry

Financial Services

Description

Salary: £37,280 - £39,152 per annum Hours per week: 37 hours Fixed term: 12 months Interview date: Week commencing Monday 10 August 2026 We are looking for a Countryside Access Officer to help manage and maintain Wiltshire’s countryside sites and public rights of way. This is a varied, hands-on role where you will work both independently and as part of a local team to ensure safe, high-quality access for the public. You will oversee the day-to-day maintenance of paths, signage, gates, bridges and other access features, making sure they are safe, accessible and free from obstruction. Where needed, you will take enforcement action and work with landowners and occupiers to resolve issues and meet legal responsibilities. You will also contribute to improvement projects that support local communities and enhance access for people with disabilities. The role involves close collaboration with volunteers, community groups and partner organisations. You will plan and supervise practical work, provide training and ensure safe working practices on site. You will also manage contractors, respond to public enquiries and support the delivery of countryside events and activities. You will bring experience in countryside or access management, alongside strong knowledge of relevant legislation and practical maintenance techniques. You will be confident communicating with a wide range of people and able to negotiate balanced outcomes. Good administrative and IT skills, including mapping systems, are essential, as is the ability to work outdoors in rural locations. This role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend work, and a high level of physical fitness. Why us? Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here [https://jobs.wiltshire.gov.uk/why-us]. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location. We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity. Contact details Paul Bollen, Area Manager, paul.bollen@wiltshire.gov.uk [paul.bollen@wiltshire.gov.uk], or 01225 712 815. Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application. Application criteria Please download and read the role description and person specification [https://jobs.wiltshire.gov.uk/media/20828/RT10-1558-Countryside-Access-Officer/pdf/RT10-1558_Countryside_Access_Officer.pdf] carefully before you apply. We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations. We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/equality-diversity-public-sector-duty&data=04|01|Bethany.Farrer@wiltshire.gov.uk|151f7da412574c942b8e08d948674193|5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19|0|0|637620430580127574|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|1000&sdata=5CkvE0a359djyKPfpad1RWNIfayHtAmrr4s+KbvYZzw=&reserved=0] Disability Confident Employer [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-guidance-for-levels-1-2-and-3/level-2-disability-confident-employer] Application process [https://jobs.wiltshire.gov.uk/help-and-support] Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain countryside sites and public rights of way, ensuring safe and high-quality public access. Oversee maintenance of paths and signage while collaborating with landowners, volunteers, and contractors.