Introduction

If you believe in the power of computers, revel in bringing order out of chaos and can carry people with you to make sure it is maintained, then this is the place to look.

This is a post that provides essential support to all areas of the environmental sector and to all the other services in all types of council – even in county councils which do not have a specific responsibility for the environment. The work is primarily concerned with the management of information technology systems and staff but covers a whole gamut of administrative functions.

Work Environment

Members of this unit work just over 36 hours per week with no shift work or anti social hours required. All the work takes place in the office and at reception, with a small amount of local travel to meetings.

Daily Activities

The job entails the management of a team that provides administrative support to officers of the environmental department. It includes helping with compilation of reports, financial information, recruitment and staffing issues for personnel as well as oversight of the computer database. The second main aspect of the team leader’s brief is supervision of the unit office and reception staff as well as all those employed in the maintenance of the fabric of the building like cleaners, and caretakers.

The objective is to make sure all these human and technological resources work.
Systems must be able to deliver useful and timely information for anybody who needs it, including outside bodies like the Financial Services Authority. This means a regular liaison with professional, technical and administrative staff, the general public, local authority members, contractors and business people.

Most of the time officers will have to work to timetables driven by other people’s needs, although there is an opportunity to use individual initiative and exercise negotiating skills. The work is reactive rather than proactive but occasionally a chance will arise to work on special projects, like configuring the computer database for a new application.

At the core of this job there is, of course, the computer.

Skills & Interests

To be good at this job you would need to have:

• good grasp of detail
• head for figures
• excellent computer skills
• an ability to get on with people of different backgrounds
• confidence
• project management skills.

Because managers regularly require information, working in the support unit means you need to be able to react quickly, recognise priorities, delegate and be amenable to change within the overall responsibility for leading a small team. Understanding people’s strengths and weaknesses and being able to exercise patience, both with irate customers and internal demands, are also very important.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements but you are encouraged to aim for qualifications like HNC in Public Administration and a Diploma in Management Studies during your employment.

Previous experience in computer related work is essential, however.

Estimated salary range

Variable: from £15,000 to £21,000 due to possible differences in job description as given above.

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

This is a growth area. As the importance of “best value” develops – as people demand more and more from their council and resources are limited – the efficiency of computer systems is crucial. Websites which help the public to access information about the council and get a response, and mechanisms for good communication within the council, are part and parcel of any authority’s ability to deliver its service to the community – whether it is about the way complaints are handled or how late council offices should stay open.

There is a considerable motivation for people in this post to seek professional qualifications and move to other administrative posts.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Specialist IT journals

Society of IT Management www.socitm.gov.uk

E-skills www.e-skills.com

Institute for the Management of Information Studies www.imis.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under D.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Team Leader, Service Support Unit (Environment) vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the 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.