Local Government officers are required to assist council policy development and ensure put into practice of these policies. They can specialise in different areas including finance, human resources, housing, regeneration, transport, libraries, tourism, planning, education, among many other areas. Their duties are related to contact other departments and specialists to make sure policies are effectively delivered.

Local Government officers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Liaising with external agencies.
• Monitoring performance quality issues.
• Collecting data for external inspections.
• Advising on policy matters.
• Managing staff.

• Having good organisational skills.
• Having competent math skills.
• Being able to solve problems using logical approach.
• Being able to clearly explain technical issues.
• Having good negotiation skills.
• Being able to accurately create records.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Having project management abilities.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having IT skills.

In Wales and England, the National Graduate Development Programme is responsible for graduate courses for Local Government candidates. These courses last two years and are composed by placements covering corporate and strategic functions, service delivery, IT, finance, and human resources placements in local authority.

There are some local authorities that run their own graduate courses. These courses can be done with on the job training from experienced members.