Introduction
This is a core post and exists in every type of local
authority. Research is required in all the local service
directorates. This particular example profiles the work of a
research officer with the geographical information system in the
department for Social & Housing Services. It can be taken
as a general guide to similar posts in other areas of council
functions. The research officer is a key part of the
development team in housing and residential services whose role is
to provide research and information in support of their remit but
the officers have a more active role to play too.
Work Environment
Though this is almost entirely office-based it is not a desk-bound
job. At times it will be necessary to do field research,
surveys for instance, and the officer is also required to make
presentations to groups of people in the normal course of
work. The main tasks include telephone work and
searching through the many and various sources of information - in
libraries, archives, web sites, personal observation and
questionnaires. The hours are 37 per week, with some
overtime. This particular post can be filled by secondment
and job share arrangements are possible.
Daily Activities
As well as providing research, the officer will be involved with
the design and implementation of geographical information system
(GIS). Duties and responsibilities may include:
- undertaking broad-based social science research and survey work
in support of the council's housing strategy;
- designing and applying GIS to the analysis and communication of
housing needs in support of housing policy;
- identifying, assessing and auditing data in terms of its
relevance to the aims above;
- providing advice on the limitations of any data as regards
statistical reliability;
- advising on selection of software to meet the above
responsibilities;
- providing an information service for department officers on
relevant housing surveys, statistics and so on to support bids and
report back on them;
- being involved in the training of other staff involved in
general research and GIS;
- liaising with other council departments and external agencies -
housing associations etc - to make sure that information is shared
and duplication does not arise;
- presenting results of analyses in a clear and concise manner,
orally, in writing and graphically;
- assisting in the transfer of data to and from outside
agencies;
- preparing reports for senior management and appropriate council
committees.
Skills & Interests
A research officer with the geographical information system in the
department for Social & Housing Services should have:
- more than 2 years' experience in housing and planning policy
research;
- at least 2 years' experience in the use of one or more
geographic information systems;
- a sound knowledge of (a) research methods in the public sector,
especially housing and planning, (b) sources of social and
demographic information and (c) Microsoft Windows;
- proven ability in the fields of information management,
especially spatial analysis of statistical data (e.g. census
data);
- proven ability in the interpretation of statistical
information;
- proven ability in training non-specialist staff;
- proven ability to produce effective clear and concise
presentations to groups;
- ability to work with a minimum of supervision;
- good written and oral communication skills;
- the ability to work within corporate policies and an awareness
of equal opportunities.
It is desirable that you have experience of the development and
use of surveys and questionnaires, knowledge of central and local
government housing policies and housing finance and be able to
liaise effectively with representatives from a wide a range of
organisations.
Entry Requirements
A qualification to degree level in an appropriate discipline is
required - in this case, geography, planning information studies or
social science. It would help if you also had a relevant
Master's degree.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is a chance to advance your career by working towards senior
management posts in this area of work, such as Town Planner or
Training Manager, for example. There is always the need for
scientific research in any service.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org
Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk
Market Research Society www.mrs.org.uk
Office for National Statistics www.statistics.gov.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.