East Sussex Area Countryside Officer

East Sussex Area Countryside Officer

Posted for The Ramblers Association - Sussex Area

Posted by Community Works

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In East Sussex we have an unrivalled variety of places to walk, amongst which the South Downs National Park, the High and Low Weald, including the Ashdown Forest, and mile after mile of accessible coastline taking in, for example, the Seven Sisters.

This is an opportunity to protect the vital footpaths and rights of way network across East Sussex (including Brighton & Hove) and ensure the preservation of the walking environment for all. 

You will be responsible for reviewing planning applications for potential impact to the settings of rights of way and engaging with local authorities and other organisations to ensure the voice of the walking community is heard, including by making representations verbally or in writing.

You will work closely with other Area Officers and external stakeholders and will be a member of the Area Council which meets four times a year.

Benefits

• Meet people who can inspire you and build new friendships among a group of like-minded fellow volunteers
• use your networking skills to engage with a range of stakeholders and other organisations; learn new skills and use your existing skills in different ways
• develop knowledge about the environment in your area and across the county.

Practical Considerations

You will have the flexibility to determine how you allocate the time you devote to the role, the average time requirement being 6 to 12 hours each week. A significant element of the activities of the role can be carried out working from home, but you will also need to be able to travel within East Sussex to look at locations where planned development could impact rights of way, and to attend internal and external meetings including 4 Area Council Meetings a year, held at Haywards Heath.

Support Disabled

What skills do I need?

You should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a reasonable knowledge of the county. Experience and knowledge of planning processes would be an advantage. The person in the role will need to be reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information. 

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.