Introduction
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.
Work Environment
This is essentially an outdoor job with an office base
forwriting 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 forthat. 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;
- enthusiastic;
- able to get on with people from a variety of different
backgrounds;
- a good negotiatorandorganiser;
- 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.
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. Forexample, 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.
Further Information & Services
National Association of British Market Authorities www.nabma.com
National Market Traders Federation www.nmtf.co.uk
Town & Country Markets www.townandcountrymarkets.co.uk
Trading Standards Institute www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
www.thetrader.co.uk
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.