Vacancies

Definitive Map Officer

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

About the role

Our Definitive Map Officer is part of the Highways and Waste service within Place and Economy directorate. This role reports directly to the Highways Investigation and Searches Manager and is responsible for protecting and overseeing changes to the rights of way network in North Northamptonshire.

North Northamptonshire looks after more than 700 miles of public rights of way.

You will have a key role in the preparation of Legal Event Orders and investigate application for modification orders ensuring that the council is protected from legal challenges.

You will find this job both challenging and rewarding, and that is why you need to possess excellent knowledge of related legislation, research skills and the ability to interpret historic maps and documents.

To find out more about the services our fantastic highways and transport team provide, follow the link below

Careers in our Highways and Transport team | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)

What will you be doing?

You will:

Prepare periodic Legal Event Orders (‘LEOs’) and ensure the accurate preparation and publication (by legal order) of the periodic consolidation of the Definitive Map and Statement. 
Investigate applications for Definitive Map Modification Orders (‘DMMOs’) and Public Path Orders (‘PPOs’).
Produce reports with recommendations for the officer with the relevant delegated powers and draft any subsequent legal Orders.
Prepare the Council’s case for written representations, public hearings or public inquiries if there are objections to Orders (either DMMOs or PPOs) and give evidence and be cross-examined as an expert witness in courts of all levels and public inquiries to execute the Council’s legal responsibilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Ensure accurate rights of way registers and records are created, kept and maintained to ensure that the Council meets it statutory obligations in this regard. 
Work with North Northamptonshire planning departments by providing expert, professional advice to their legal teams in the making and confirming of PPOs under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to protect the legal integrity of the routes on the Definitive Map.
Contribute to the content and policies within the local Rights of Way Improvement Plan and Local Transport Plan to set targets for the next five years.
Examine, review, advise on and accept Landowner Deposits to ensure that they cannot be called into question later, thereby protecting the landowner and the integrity of the Council.

About you

You will be skilled at report writing and able to draft Orders or legally binding agreements such as Definitive Map Modification Orders, Public Path Orders and Deed of Dedication.

You will have a good understanding of the legal and historical background to the Definitive Map with good knowledge of highway, environmental or land law.  A working knowledge of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Highways Act 1980 and earlier Highways Acts in so much as these are concerned with public rights of way is essential. You will have good IT skills and the ability to use GIS applications.

You will be a Member of IPROW (Institute of Public Rights of Way)

You will have good interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate with third party organisations and the public

Our benefits

We offer:

a competitive salary
a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
generous leave entitlement (27 days, rising to 32 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.

About us

We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.

Our priorities are:

helping people live active fulfilled lives
caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
enabling a thriving and successful economy
leading on a green and sustainable environment
ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
providing modern public services

Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.

Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.

We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.