Estates Terrier Officer (Grade 13)

Temporary Contract

Job Details

Estates Terrier Officer (Grade 13) – Temporary Contract

Client: Somerset Council
Department: Community Place & Economy / Property Records
Reference: OR120384
Vacancies: 1
Hours: 37 per week
Dates: 16 November 2026 to 4 April 2027
Duration: 20 weeks
PAYE Rate: £13.92 per hour

Working Pattern and Location

Work pattern to be agreed with the line manager; likely at least three days in the office weekly. This is mainly office-based because historic deeds, files and maps must sometimes be examined in person. Occasional travel to other Council offices may be required.

Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY.

Job Overview

Somerset Council is recruiting an Estates Terrier Officer to maintain its digital property terrier, land ownership information and associated mapping records. The post supports a short-term project to identify and enter outstanding lease information into its property asset management system for asset accounting. The role reports to the Property Records Manager.

Important – Please Read Carefully

Previous experience maintaining computerised databases and a working knowledge of property and estates documentation are essential. Candidates should be confident interpreting leases, deeds, plans and related legal and spatial information. GIS and MapInfo experience are desirable rather than mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain digital property terrier records for ownership, leases, licences, easements and other legal interests.
Review deeds, conveyances, leases, plans and related property documents.
Enter accurate legal, property and spatial information into asset management systems.
Record lease renewal dates, break options, rent reviews and other key estate dates.
Use GIS and mapping systems to update plans, ownership boundaries and map overlays.
Research historic paper records and mapping information.
Liaise with Legal Services, Planning, Highways, Estates and other stakeholders.
Ensure records remain accurate, current and traceable.
Manage assigned work to deadlines and escalate complex matters appropriately.

Essential Experience and Skills

Experience updating and maintaining computerised database records.
Working knowledge of property and estates documentation.
Ability to interpret legal and spatial property information accurately.
Excellent attention to detail, organisation and independent working.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication.
Confident using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and Excel.
A-levels, relevant vocational qualification or equivalent experience.
Fluent spoken English in accordance with applicable public-sector requirements.

Desirable Experience

Local authority estates, land management or property administration.
MapInfo or other GIS and mapping software.
HM Land Registry and Ordnance Survey datasets.
Knowledge of public-sector property portfolios.
Qualification in surveying, GIS, land administration or property management.
Practical problem-solving skills and initiative.

Additional Information

Candidate Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026
Maximum CVs per Agency: 3
Target Interview: 6 November 2026, in person at County Hall, Taunton; one panel interview, up to one hour, with competency and technical questions. This target interview date precedes the submission deadline and should be confirmed.

Required at submission: Right to work in the UK, CV, Confidentiality Agreement, two years of references/work history, driving licence and driving insurance covering commercial and business use.

Disclaimer

On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

Job Reference: OR120384

Strict Screening Questions

Do you have experience maintaining property or estates records?
Have you worked with leases, deeds, conveyances or property plans?
Have you used a computerised property database or similar records system?
Have you used GIS, MapInfo or mapping software?
Are you confident using Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint?
Do you hold a driving licence and business-use driving insurance?
Can you work at least three days per week in Taunton?
Are you available from 16 November 2026 and eligible to work in the UK?

Skills

Property Administration, Estates Management, Lease Administration, Property Records, GIS, MapInfo, HM Land Registry, Database Management, Microsoft Excel, Document Review

Estates Terrier Officer (Grade 13)