Countryside Access Warden

Background
Norfolk County Council is responsible for the protection and maintenance of 4000km of Public Rights of Way in the county, including footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways. The Countryside Access Team also manages 10 long distance recreational routes, 7 bridle routes, over 50 published circular walks, and over 250 Parish Walks Projects. The Public Rights of Way network plays an increasingly significant role in Norfolk's rural economy and in the leisure activities of its population whilst offering opportunities for sustainable transport use as many routes connect villages and settlements to schools and local services.

The Team also manages Open Access land, recreational sites, and nature reserves.
To ensure that the Public Rights of Way network is available for use it is often necessary to use enforcement powers where paths are blocked or have not been reinstated following cultivation and it is to address this issue that we are currently looking for additional staffing.

Objective
To achieve an increase in the number of paths which are reinstated and available for use. and to reduce the current backlog of work issues. To meet the County Council's BVPI target.

Benefits of the Project Work to the Graduate
The posts offer the opportunity to gain experience in Rights of Way work as part of the Environment Team which also includes ecologists, arboricultural and biodiversity officers.
The postholder will work with landowners and farmers as well as with other professionals within the county council and other organisations.

Employment potential and options post Project Work
The post with provide graduate a much valued opportunity to gain experience in the conservation and land management sector. Which will equip the successful post holder with invaluable knowledge and practical skills that will be of benefit for future career progression and development

Numbered Lists: Please note all numbered lists start with the most important through to least important Output or Key Task.
Output 1
An effective enforcement procedure to tackle the problem of blocked paths
Output 2
An effective system of liaison with stakeholders i.e. CLA, NFU, DEFRA, Landowners
Output 3
Improved understanding by landowners of their responsibilities and the Council's powers.

Personal Specification
Essential Selection Criteria 1 Weighting: 5
Interpersonal & Communication Skills. Excellent verbal communication skills. Willingness to work outdoors and relate to individuals in an agricultural/countryside environment. Experience in creating written reports.
Essential Selection Criteria 2 Weighting: 4
Diplomacy. Ability to manage complaints and difficult situations and negotiate with people.
Essential Selection Criteria 3 Weighting: 5
Driving licence and access to own vehicle. Ability to work throughout Norfolk and provide own vehicle for which an allowance will be paid.
Essential Selection Criteria 4 Weighting: 3
Map and I.T. Skills. A good understanding of maps. Experience of working in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Essential Selection Criteria 5 Weighting: 3
Organisational skills. Ability to prioritise a changing and sometimes challenging work load.

Desirable Selection Criteria 1 Weighting: 5
A degree/diploma in Countryside Management or a related field
Desirable Selection Criteria 2 Weighting: 4
Experience of managing/working in a countryside/agricultural environment
Desirable Selection Criteria 3 Weighting: 3
Practical knowledge of Public Rights of Way and Countryside Access
Desirable Selection Criteria 4 Weighting: 2
Experience of working with government organisations and agencies, parish councils, user groups
Desirable Selection Criteria 5 Weighting: 2
First aid qualification.

Interview Date: July 1st 2008
Telephone Interviews, Week Commencing: 16th June. The telephone interviews will be short and fairly informal. Please make sure you are contactable during the stated week.
Closing Date: 15th June
Start Date: Monday 14th July 2008
Length of Project Work: 52 weeks