Introduction
This could be a mission statement for any local authority:
"To develop the technical infrastructure and environment for all
council services to flourish using information technology as a
cornerstone to the business." In local government, IT is
central to the council's ability to deliver a quality service to
the taxpayer. IT officers work in small teams that provide
desktop services to every department. The role may also include
some IT related administration such as maintaining hardware and
software inventories, and internal invoicing. The post exists
in all types of authority.
Work Environment
The work is office-based. In an average situation, technical
officers will operate mixtures of mainframe, UNIX, Windows 95/98,
Windows 2000, NT v 4 and Server 2000 platforms supporting corporate
and business unit applications in a TCP/IP network environment
utilizing LAN and WAN technology. The standard working week
is 37 hours and may allow flexitime and job share.
Daily Activities
IT services provide infrastructure and support to council members,
officers and numerous software suppliers. The unit delivers
access to corporate data through a communications network which
also reaches officials' homes as well as offices (some remote) in
the area.
On a daily basis, information technology officers help with
evaluating IT solutions and advise service units on the use of
technology within the following key areas of activity, as directed
by the supervisor. Each requires different skills. Strategy
and consultancy service provides strategic guidance and direction
on how information systems can be developed for the benefit of the
whole council, but especially the business needs of its cost centre
managers.
Project management service provides technical guidance and
direction on possible IS systems and IT solutions for the business
needs of the council. It is also involved with tendering
procedures. Systems development service incorporates
developments, enhancements, corrective and legislative changes into
existing applications. It also customises most packages
supplied by third party vendors.
Technical support service ensures uninterrupted access to front
line systems. It covers the provision, evaluation,
management, maintenance and support of software, in particular
operating systems and their security in a live environment.
Operations service provides operational support for full access
to on-line systems and to help meet processing deadlines.
Network service is available 24 hours per day, seven days a
week. The service provides critical data quickly and securely
and monitors traffic levels to ensure they do not jeopardise
service availability. NS also covers Internet, Intranet,
external and internal e-mail, virus and security control
services. Help desk support service covers the help and
advice needed on the use of PCs and associated peripherals and
software and their maintenance (including hardware). The aim
is to ensure that the council has a high quality re-active support
service, using technology to best effect. IT officers are
also responsible for keeping accurate records for service
performance targets.
Skills & Interests
You would need to be:
- a team player;
- committed to good service;
- organised, carrying out work in a methodical and well
documented way;
- able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff both
verbally and written.
Entry Requirements
'A' Level in a computer discipline or equivalent and at least one
year's experience working within a computing environment are
essential.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are always opportunities for advancement in information
technology. In IT Services the next step up is
Supervisor. With further training and experience, it is
possible to aim for other posts such as Information Systems Officer
and IT Helpdesk Co-ordinator. There are opportunities in the
private sector, too.
Further Information & Services
Apprenticeship information www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Computeach www.computeach.co.uk
Computer Weekly www.computerweekly.com
Computing www.computing.co.uk
E-skills UK www.e-skills.com
Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk
Society of IT Management www.socitm.gov.uk
The Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers
in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/