protecting your community in local government transport management 

 

Introduction

Local council transport departments work to provide travellers with a choice of public transport. They operate within a policy that seeks to:

• make transport services available to all
• improve and protect the environment
• encourage sensible transport planning decisions.

Local government transport managers play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of a safe, efficient transport service for the community.

Work Environment

Local government transport managers work in offices, but might sometimes be required to travel out to site visits and appointments.  Most work a flexi-time system based around 37 hours a week.

Daily Activities

Local government transport managers are concerned with the forward planning, implementation and review of services relating to transport, highways development and car parking, in a local area. Transport managers have responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the transport service, which includes some or all of the following:

• collecting and analysing data and other information related to transport services and preparing reports for Councillors, the Government and funding agencies;
• identifying existing and possible future transport problems, and investigating the feasibility of alternative means of transport;
• developing transport models and testing and evaluating transport options for an area;
• preparing the local council’s transport policy and compiling information for a range of strategic documents and reports;
• overseeing health and safety, education, training and publicity related to transport issues;
• introducing new transportation management techniques;
• advising on car parking charges;
• preparing proposals for major local highway schemes;
• providing a business plan for car parking activities;
• monitoring budgets and financial targets;
• designing Best Value procedures;
• advising on national legislation, guidance and regulations relating to transportation;
• managing and supervising staff.

Skills & Interests

Local government transport managers need:

• good written and verbal communication skills;
• excellent research skills and the ability to analyse and interpret data;
• to be able to explain complex transportation issues, both to fellow professionals and those with little or no knowledge of transportation;
• to be good decision-makers;
• to be well organised with good ICT skills;
• a strategic overview of transport issues.

Entry Requirements

Most new entrants are graduates with a degree in a relevant transport or engineering subject, for example, Transport Studies, Transport Planning and Management, Transportation, or Civil and Transport Engineering.

More information about transport related postgraduate courses is available on the Transportation Opportunities website.

Entry to a degree course is normally with five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), with two A levels/three highers, or equivalent.

Estimated salary range

Local government transport managers usually earn in excess of £30,000.  Some managers of large departments might earn up to around £42,000.

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

Local government transport managers may progress to senior management roles within the council.  They may use their skills and experience in other council departments, for example, environment or planning.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.

Further Information & Services

GoSkills www.goskills.org

Institution of Highways and Transportation www.iht.org

Transport Planning Society www.tps.org.uk/

Transportation Opportunities www.transportationopportunities.org.uk/

You may find further information about this area of work in your local/school careers library - under WB and WE.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Transport Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.