Public Rights of Way Officer

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Rights of Way Team is recruiting for a permanent, full‑time Rights of Way Officer following an internal promotion. This is an excellent opportunity to join an experienced and supportive team responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving Oxfordshire’s public rights of way network.

The post covers a district area within Oxfordshire, including the Chilterns, Cotswolds, North Wessex Downs National Landscapes, Oxford City and a wide range of rural and urban communities. With 2,800 miles of public rights of way, Oxfordshire offers a diverse and rewarding working environment for an Officer who is passionate about countryside access.

As a Rights of Way Officer, you will oversee a varied caseload in support of the Council’s responsibilities as Highway Authority. Responsibilities include investigating and resolving access issues, supporting the maintenance and improvement of the network, liaising with landowners, user groups, parish councils and local communities, and using legal enforcement powers to protect public access. The role will involve site inspections, practical problem solving, negotiation, preparation of correspondence and reports, and working with colleagues across the wider Countryside Access service.

We are looking for a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and confident countryside access professional with proven experience of public rights of way management. You will be a proactive self‑starter with strong organisational, communication and negotiation skills, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team. You should be comfortable dealing with a wide range of stakeholders and able to explain technical or legal matters clearly, proportionately and professionally.

• Access to a works electric van
• Office base may be subject to change; you will be notified. No reimbursement will apply for travel.

We are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have staff network groups providing peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and meet the essential criteria. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are committed to supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria within three years of leaving the service.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, part‑time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Team Leader at or Senior Public Rights of Way Officer at