Local Government Officer

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £37,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Local Government Officer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
a graduate training scheme

College / University

You may need to do a degree or a job-specific qualification in a subject like town planning, urban design or historic building conservation, for example for a conservation officer post.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You'll usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start in local government as an administrative assistant and work your way up to more senior positions through training on the job. Experience in office work would be useful.

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got the right skills and experience from previous work. Some local authorities may ask for at least 4 GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications, depending on the vacancy.

For certain jobs, you may need a degree or specific professional qualification in an area like town planning or public policy.

Knowledge of common office software packages and experience in working in customer service are also valued by employers and could help your career prospects.

Other Routes

You may be able to join a local authority's National Graduate Development Programme if you've got a first class or upper second class degree. Most subjects are acceptable.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
administration skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
business management skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on your level of responsibility, your day-to-day duties may include:

managing and evaluating projects
writing reports and briefing papers
dealing with enquiries and giving advice
presenting information at meetings
supervising administrative work and managing clerical staff
keeping records
preparing and managing contracts
dealing with other agencies
managing budgets and funding

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You may be able to get into this job through an internship.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in local government through the Local Government Association.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.