Where to Start in Local Government: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Want to work in local government but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. Thousands of people each year feel drawn to public service-wanting to make a real difference in their community-but get stuck at the very first step. There’s no secret handshake, no elite network you need to join, and no fancy degree required to start. What you do need is a clear path. And that’s exactly what this guide gives you.

Understand what local government actually does

Before you apply for a job, know what you’re stepping into. Local government isn’t just about council meetings and potholes. It’s the backbone of everyday life in your town or city. It runs libraries, parks, waste collection, local roads, child protection services, animal control, community centers, and even permits for small businesses. In Australia, this is handled by councils-like the City of Melbourne, Yarra City Council, or Mornington Peninsula Shire. These bodies employ hundreds of people across dozens of roles.

Think of it this way: if you’ve ever used a public playground, paid your rates, reported a broken streetlight, or attended a free community workshop, that’s local government at work. The jobs behind those services range from administrative assistants and planners to environmental officers, social workers, and IT support staff.

Start with entry-level roles-no experience needed

You don’t need to be a policy expert or have a master’s degree to get your foot in the door. Many local councils hire for entry-level positions that require little to no prior experience. These roles are your launchpad.

• Administrative Officer - Answer phones, file documents, assist the public at front counters. Often requires basic computer skills and good communication.
• Customer Service Officer - Handle inquiries in person, over the phone, or online. Training is usually provided.
• Community Services Assistant - Help run events, distribute flyers, support seniors or youth programs.
• Waste and Recycling Officer - Work on collection routes or at transfer stations. Physical work, but steady hours.

These roles pay between $55,000 and $70,000 per year in Victoria, depending on location and experience. They’re not glamorous, but they’re stable, offer good benefits, and give you inside access to how the system works.

Check council job boards regularly

The biggest mistake people make? Waiting for a job ad to appear in the newspaper or on Seek. Most local government jobs are posted only on the council’s own website. You need to know where to look.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find your nearest council website-search “[Your Suburb] Council”.
2. Go to the “Work With Us” or “Careers” section.
3. Sign up for job alerts. Most councils let you email yourself new postings.
4. Check every Monday morning. That’s when most councils post new roles.

For example, the City of Melbourne posts jobs on melbourne.vic.gov.au/careers. Yarra City Council uses yarracity.vic.gov.au/jobs. Bookmark them. Set a reminder. If you’re serious, you’ll check these sites every week.

Build relevant skills-without spending thousands

You don’t need to go back to university. But you do need to show you can handle the work. Here’s what councils look for:

• Basic computer skills - Word, Excel, email, online forms. Free courses are available through TAFE Online or Library Victoria.
• Customer service - Volunteer at a community center, library, or food bank. Even a few hours a month builds real experience.
• Understanding of local issues - Attend a council meeting. Read the meeting minutes online. Know what’s happening in your area.
• Written communication - Practice writing clear, polite emails. If you can draft a complaint or request that’s easy to understand, you’re ahead of most applicants.

One person I know got hired as an admin assistant after completing a free 4-week course on government processes from the Victorian Public Service. She didn’t have a degree. She just showed up prepared.

Network-without being pushy

People think you need connections to get a government job. That’s not true. But knowing someone who works there helps. Not because they’ll get you hired-but because they’ll tell you what the job is really like.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Go to a local council event-like a community forum or open day. Bring a notebook. Ask questions like, “What’s a typical day like for someone in this role?”
• Volunteer for a council project. Many councils run tree-planting days, clean-up events, or youth programs. Show up. Be reliable.
• Connect with current staff on LinkedIn. Send a short message: “Hi, I’m exploring roles in local government and admire the work your team does. Would you be open to a 10-minute chat?” Most say yes.

Don’t ask for a job. Ask for advice. People love helping when you’re curious, not desperate.

Prepare for the application process

Local government applications are different from private sector ones. They’re longer. More detailed. And they care about your values as much as your skills.

Here’s what to expect:

• Application form - You’ll answer questions like “Describe a time you worked with a difficult customer.” Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Resume - Focus on transferable skills. Did you manage volunteers? Organize events? Handle money? Those count.
• Selection criteria - This is the key. Councils list 4-6 criteria. You must respond to each one, in order, with examples.

Example selection criterion: “Demonstrates commitment to community engagement.”

Your answer: “As a volunteer at the local food bank, I helped design a weekly newsletter for seniors. I visited 30 households to gather feedback on meal preferences. Attendance increased by 40% over six months.”

That’s it. No fluff. Just facts.

Be patient-this is a marathon, not a sprint

It can take 6-12 weeks to hear back after applying. The process is slow. There are interviews, reference checks, and sometimes psychometric tests. Don’t get discouraged. If you’re rejected, ask for feedback. Most councils will give it if you ask politely.

One applicant applied to 12 roles over 8 months. Got 3 interviews. Got one offer. That offer led to a permanent role. Six months later, she moved into a planning assistant position. She didn’t have a degree. She just kept showing up.

What comes next?

Once you’re in, you’re not stuck. Local government offers clear pathways. You can move from admin to project officer, then to team leader. You can specialize in environmental policy, youth services, or digital transformation. Many people start as clerks and end up as council managers.

And the best part? You’ll know you’re making a difference-not just for one person, but for your whole community. That’s rare in most jobs.

Next steps: Your 30-day action plan

1. Week 1: Find your local council website and bookmark the careers page.
2. Week 2: Sign up for job alerts and read three recent job ads. Note the skills they ask for.
3. Week 3: Complete one free course-like Microsoft Excel basics on TAFE Online or a government communication module from Library Victoria.
4. Week 4: Attend one council meeting (online or in person). Take notes on what’s discussed.

That’s it. No grand plan. No expensive training. Just consistent, small steps. The door is open. You just have to walk through it.