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Careers in Local Government - Why Work for Local Government?
Careers in Local Government
Careers in Local Government
Why Work for Local Government?

Location and Variety
With 139 local governments in WA, from Dundas to Wyndham-East Kimberley, and Perth to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, there are employment opportunities just about everywhere.

If you’re interested in being part of a large organisation, or prefer the idea of a small team, local government can offer you either option.

The range of jobs in local government provide opportunities for developing your career. The variety and depth of work available is enormous.

Flexibility
Due to the broad range of occupations in local government, there have always been many different patterns of work. Some jobs may require you to work full-time, but often there may be part-time and job share opportunities, or shift work available.

Increasingly local government is offering different ways of working. Firstly, because of the pressure upon them to deliver services in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, and secondly, to meet the demands of employees who want to achieve a better balance between their work and their other priorities including caring for children or elderly parents, gaining further education and qualifications or pursuing leisure activities.

Benefits
In some regional areas, you may also receive non-cash benefits such as housing, utilities assistance, travel assistance (remote area allowance), commuting use of a vehicle and professional membership allowance.

Leave
Everyone needs a holiday from time to time! That is why all local government employees are entitled to annual leave. Those who work part time have leave calculated on a pro rata basis depending on the amount of hours they work.

Personal and Professional Development
Across all professional streams to senior management, advancement is especially rapid in regional areas. Local governments recognise that people are their greatest asset, and professional development and further education and training is encouraged and supported.

Some councils run specific training programs for particular groups of people, for example:
  • Graduate Training Schemes
  • Management Training Schemes
  • Scholarships/Traineeships
  • Cadetships
Throughout your career in local government, you are likely to have regular appraisals with your line manager enabling you both to identify your current and future training needs. Depending on the needs identified, the local government may provide in-house training, or pay for you to attend a course externally. They may also allow you day-release to study for further qualifications.

Lifestyle
Choose your lifestyle, rural, regional or metropolitan, aim for quality of life, multi-skilling opportunities and the chance of rapid promotion for strong performers.

Leadership, Travel and Community Service
Experience in local government provides opportunities to develop leadership skills; work anywhere in Australia or overseas; and obtain sought after skills in both the public and private sectors. Many local government professionals are sought after to work on international projects in places like East Timor, the Middle East, developing African countries and the South Pacific islands.

See also...

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