Countryside Officer

Join us in protecting and enhancing the beauty of the countryside as a dedicated Countryside Officer!

We are looking to recruit 3x Countryside Officers to our Country Parks and Cannock Chase teams.

With a passion for preserving and enhancing Staffordshire's natural beauty, we are on a mission to create a landscape that inspires all who encounter it. From enchanting country parks, copious reservoirs and sprawling greenways, we are committed to shaping a future where every corner of Staffordshire has something to offer visitors to Staffordshire’s Countryside.

2x roles in Country Parks Team

The team mange 4 country parks, 3 greenways and several smaller picnic sites and open spaces.

We have 1x permanent post £30,060 - £34,314 (salary supplement applied for regular weekend working).

Based at our Werrington depot, you'll be required to work from other county council locations as required. Working hours are 37 hours per week worked over five days, with two (generally consecutive) rest days, including bank holidays.

We have 1x 2 year fixed term post Salary: £29,093 - £32,654

Based at Chasewater Country Park, you'll be required to work from other county council locations as required, working 5 days per week Monday – Friday 37 hours per week including bank holidays.

Cannock Chase Team

Cannock Chase Country Park 1,300ha of heath and woodland on Cannock Chase. Most of this land is designated SSSI and SAC.

We have 1x 2 year fixed term post Salary: £29,093 - £32,654

Based at Marquis Drive, Cannock Chase working 5 days per week Monday – Friday 37 hours per week including bank holidays and occasional weekends or evenings.

Post holders may be required to be part of the rota responding to deer callout duties, for which an enhancement is paid.

Main Responsibilities

In this exciting role you'll:

• Have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the countryside estate / Cannock Chase Country Park, ensuring the Country Park sites are safe, clean, and accessible for all visitors.
• Oversee the delivery of site management plans, conduct inspections, and manage contractors to maintain high standards of safety and functionality.
• Be a key player in emergency response efforts, from fire safety to supporting emergency services and wildlife management.
• Drive environmental stewardship by implementing conservation tasks under Countryside Stewardship and other schemes, enhancing habitats and preserving the site(s) natural heritage.
• Lead projects and work in collaboration with partners to achieve management objectives, while maintaining constructive relationships with stakeholders, tenants, and local businesses.
• Ensure vehicles, equipment, and facilities are well-maintained and ready to support operational needs.

You will also be part of creating an engaging visitor experience by supervising events, and promoting awareness of the park's unique features, as well as leading and inspiring volunteers to contribute effectively, ensuring their activities align with the site's goals. 

The Ideal Candidate

You will have:

• a strong background in countryside management, practical wildlife conservation or a related discipline
• ideally hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification
• have a sound understanding of practical countryside management practices, particularly in managing public sites
• experience of engaging with the public, volunteers, and external organisations 
• the ability to interpret natural and cultural heritage effectively

You will also have:

• demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a focus on engaging the public and working effectively within a team.
• proficiency in general IT skills, including word processing and spreadsheets, and basic knowledge of GIS is desirable.
• be capable of handling difficult situations, responding to emergencies, and maintaining physical fitness for outdoor work in various weather conditions.

This role requires a candidate who is both technically skilled and passionate about countryside management and conservation.

A current full driver’s licence is essential.

Interview date: Monday 27 January 2025.

For more information about the role at Cannock Chase please contact Cathy Taylor Cannock Chase Site Manager: cathy.taylor@staffordshire.gov.uk

For more information about the Country Parks Team roles, please contact Tim Cleary Country Parks Manager: tim.cleary@staffordshire.gov.uk

“We’re happy to talk flexible working” 

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. 

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post. 

As you’ll know safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people/vulnerable adults is important to us and that’s why this position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.