Public Right Of Way Officer

We are working with a Local Authority seeking an experienced Public Rights of Way Officer to support a busy Rights of Way team with a significant backlog of casework.

This is a specialist role requiring an officer who can hit the ground running from day one, with extensive experience managing complex PROW cases independently and confidently navigating the legal and procedural aspects of Rights of Way work.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and progressing Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) from investigation through to determination.

• Leading on Section 119 Public Path Diversion Orders and associated statutory processes.

• Investigating evidence and preparing reports relating to rights of way claims and modifications.

• Interpreting and working with the Definitive Map and Statement.

• Liaising with landowners, applicants, statutory consultees, legal teams and members of the public.

• Preparing documentation for committee reports, orders and public inquiries where required.

• Providing professional advice on Public Rights of Way legislation and procedures.

• Managing a caseload independently and ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and compliantly.

Essential Requirements

To be considered, applicants must demonstrate substantial recent experience within a Local Authority Public Rights of Way team, including:

✅ Extensive experience dealing with Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs)

✅ Strong experience processing Section 119 Public Path Diversion Orders

✅ Detailed working knowledge of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Highways Act 1980 and associated PROW legislation

✅ Proven experience interpreting and maintaining the Definitive Map and Statement

✅ Ability to independently manage complex PROW casework with minimal supervision

✅ Experience preparing evidence, reports and legal documentation relating to rights of way matters

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in Planning, Geography, Countryside Management, Environmental Management or related discipline.

• Experience attending public inquiries, hearings or committee meetings.

• Additional experience with Public Path Orders, Creation Orders and Extinguishment Orders.

About the Role

This opportunity is ideally suited to a highly experienced PROW professional who is already working within or has recently worked within a Local Authority Rights of Way service. The team requires someone who can immediately take ownership of a caseload and assist with clearing a backlog of DMMOs and Section 119 matters without the need for significant training or support.

Candidates without direct and substantial DMMO and Definitive Map experience are unlikely to be considered