Get to know your local council

Ever wondered what working for your local council is like? We can connect you to the latest jobs at five councils across England including Barnsley, South Gloucestershire, London Borough of Hounslow, Oxfordshire and Plymouth. Find out more about them and see if they’re a good fit.

It’s not all
pot holes
and bin days

Well, some of it is. But in reality your local council is responsible for so much more. Behind every community there’s a town planner figuring out how a cycle scheme works. Tree officers doing site visits to protect local wildlife. Event coordinators bringing big projects to life. There’s a huge job playground waiting to be explored.

Take a tour around five councils who are actively recruiting below. And if there’s a role that’s caught your eye, don’t be afraid to look further afield. Now you know what’s out there, there’s no stopping you.

Jump to council

Be part of something big in Barnsley

At Barnsley Council, you can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping our council and residents to be the best they can be. We’re always looking for people who can engage with the local community and help our town thrive. Come and take a look around. We’re a great bunch.

Why work for the council?

We’re an award-winning council and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our employees. As part of the team, we offer lots of benefits and rewards to support you to thrive and grow, like flexible working, employee discounts, support for your health and wellbeing, and opportunities for training and development to grow your career and develop your skills.

Why work in Barnsley?

There’s so much happening in our thriving borough, and now’s the perfect time to join our excellent teams as we work to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.

Find your work tribe in Hounslow

Build your career, shape your community

We value diversity in its broadest sense. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves, give of their best and reach their full potential. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us to better understand our communities and deliver the best services for our residents.

Why work for the council?

Hounslow Council offers a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in the community. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovation, providing a supportive work environment with flexible working, career development, and wellbeing initiatives. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities to grow. Committed to sustainability and high-quality public services, we welcome those who want to contribute to a better borough for all.

Why work in Hounslow?

Hounslow is a hive of boutique stores and artisan cafes, street markets and quirky nightspots. It has the urban edge you need to feel connected to city life with the green spaces your mental health needs. With affordable housing and an inclusive attitude, it’s a great place to work.

Shape a sustainable future in Oxfordshire

Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Who doesn’t want a greener, cleaner, healthier place to live and work? We’re always looking for talented people who want to help us create change in Oxfordshire. Our commitment to achieving net zero by 2030 means we can work together against climate change.

Why work for the council?

Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.

Why work in Oxfordshire?

Wide open spaces, historic villages, city bars and a buzzing tech scene, Oxfordshire offers the perfect blend of urban and rural life. Set up for sustainable living, you can cycle to work every day and punt down the river at weekends. We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of UK public services.

Get a breath of fresh air in Plymouth

Plymouth Council puts local people first. We’re really proud of our communities and want to make sure they get consistently great services, from rubbish collection to local transport. If you can help us deliver a fairer city for all, welcome aboard.

Why work for the council?

We want you to be free to fully live life, as well as work, here in Plymouth. Which is why we’re as flexible as possible and try to create a healthy work life balance. You’ll have lots of opportunities to volunteer, build on your skills and get involved in projects that support your goals. We’re proud to hold a Silver ‘Wellbeing at Work’ Award.

Why work in Plymouth?

Ambitious growth plans make the ‘Ocean City’ a great place to live and work. With its spectacular waterfront location and labyrinth of cobbled lanes, Plymouth rocks a rich history and buzzes with creativity and culture. When you’re not working, you could be paddleboarding in The Sound or catching a gig at one of the many music and art venues.

Support our communities in South Gloucestershire

We want to make South Gloucestershire better for everyone. If you care about others and want to make an impact, we have a role for you. Our team has a diverse set of skills, talent and experience to help you achieve your best inside and outside of work.

Why work for the council?

Recognition is really important. We’ll make sure you get kudos for your efforts with great rewards, discounts and incentives. We respect your time. You can expect flexible hours, travel discounts and generous family benefits to make life easier. Plus everything you need to learn and grow.

Why work in South Gloucestershire?

Working here means you can enjoy sustainable urban living with a countryside vibe. You’ll feel part of a local community yet be close enough to big cities for music, festivals, events and nightlife. The perfect balance of work, rest and play.

Our sponsors

Local councils do more than you think – from maintaining roads and green spaces to planning sustainable communities. The Find Your Path campaign is here to shine a light on the huge variety of careers available in local government, making a real difference in people’s lives. Designed for young people aged 18-27, this campaign highlights flexible, well-paid, and meaningful roles that might not have been on your radar.

Backed by ADEPT, the Department for Transport (DfT), and partners like Colas, APSE, and Midlands Highway Alliance Plus (MHA+), this initiative is all about tackling workforce shortages and opening doors to exciting careers. Through social media and a dedicated website, we’re making it easier than ever to explore job opportunities, register your interest, and take the first step toward a rewarding career.