Street markets range from the rural stall with food, flowers, home made jams and cakes to the bigger urban affair where you can buy almost anything, from pots and pans to computers as well as a motley of other more perishable products: the famous Petticoat Lane type market in London, for example.
People like markets because they are romantic, full of colourful characters like ‘Del Boy’ and everything a good deal cheaper than you would get in the local supermarket. But after the selling is over there can be a further price to pay in terms of litter and general disorder. And that is only one of the reasons why local authorities have markets officers, or as they are sometimes called ’street trading officers’ for the councils’ markets. The posts are found in all authorities except county councils.

Work Environment

This is essentially an outdoor job with an office base for writing reports and planning schedules for market locations and regulation.

There is noise, bustle and at times sharp practice and conflict to contend with – to say nothing of the weather. Dress is normal but protective clothing might be necessary at times.

Shift/rota systems are usual and involve working weekends but there are extra allowances for that. Normal hours are 37 per week.

Daily Activities

Markets officers supervise the day-to-day operation of the councils’ markets. They need to make sure that everything that goes on in the organization and operation of the markets is conducted in accordance with council policies and current legislation: where they are located and how this affects residential areas; traffic concerns; dirt, pollution, smells, noise and all health and safety issues. Following agreed guidelines, officers monitor areas closely, collect evidence and prepare reports that will form the basis for successful prosecution when it is known that infringements are taking place.

But before it comes to this, they try to inspire and help people to care for their environment. They want to make a difference to the way we live, and when they are successful before problems arise they find the job richly rewarding.

However, markets officers have to be prepared to present evidence and argue a case when prosecution is necessary. They mostly work in teams and their timetable is determined by the needs and behaviour of street traders and the law.

Each day they will liaise with colleagues in the environmental health department which includes trading standards officers, the public, street traders, the police, traffic wardens and at times the courts.

Skills & Interests

You need to be:

• ’street-wise’
• someone who enjoys working outdoors
• an excellent communicator
• able to get on with people from a variety of different backgrounds
• a good negotiator and organiser
• able to deal with difficult situations and conflict
• knowledgeable about relevant legislation as it relates to trading, environmental protection and highways
• able to take witness statements and prepare a case
• confident.

Being able to drive and use a computer is also necessary.

Entry Requirements

You would need 2 years’ previous experience in the enforcement of environmental and highway offences.

Professional qualifications at the level of the City and Guilds Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health are essential.

Estimated salary range

18,846 – 23,079 pa (plus shift allowance and enhancement payments)

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Although there is no clear promotion path in this field, except to a managerial position, it is possible to progress by making sideways moves within the sector. For example, with further training you could go to other areas of environmental protection which specialise in health and safety, pollution control, trading standards and food monitoring. Care of the environment is an area of growing concern and supply of people to work in it never meets the demand. This applies to both local government and outside bodies like the Environment Agency which supplies information to local authorities and emergency services about risks from flooding and so on.

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