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Local Government Estates Officer

Do you want to become a Local Government Estates Officer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Local government estates officers manage the land and property belonging to local councils. Estates officers can also work for health authorities, civil service departments and the Office of Government Commerce. They aim to ensure that land is being used in the most effective way.

The work of an estates officer can vary, but may include:

• assessing rents
• ensuring properties are well maintained and provide reasonable returns on investment
• dealing with tenancy applications for housing and businesses
• monitoring tenancy agreements
• organising and monitoring building or engineering works
• making sure property is being used appropriately
• organising and checking repairs
• land management and environmental issues.

Local government estates officers usually work normal office hours, but may be required to undertake evening committee work. The work is mainly office based, but also includes travel to meetings and site visits.

The basic starting salary for a local government estates officer is around £17,000. Those with extensive experience can earn approximately £43,000 a year.

An estates officer should:

• have strong communication skills
• be a good negotiator
• be well organised with an eye for detail
• be able to write reports and analyse written and numerical information
• be able to co-ordinate the work of others.

Most entrants have studied for a degree or diploma approved by a professional institute. Adults applying for higher education courses may be accepted without the normal entry requirements.

Many estates officers are chartered or technical surveyors. Professional training for surveyors involves a two-year assessment period. Chartered surveyors gain professional status by passing the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Promotion prospects depend on the size and scope of the department. An estates officer can progress to become the head of a unit, specialist area, or department.

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