Control Room Operator (Casual)

Control Room Operator (Casual)

Temporary 24000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
South End City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Monitor CCTV and support emergency response services for the community.
  • Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and great training opportunities.
  • Other info: Casual role with potential for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that enhances public safety and community well-being.
  • Qualifications: Good communication and IT skills; experience in similar roles is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

We are looking for a Control Room Operator to join the Public Protection Service on a casual (as and when) and permanent contract. This is a casual role, with hours offered on an as‑and‑when required basis.

As a Control room operator, you will ensure that the Council’s Public Space CCTV Surveillance System is operated in accordance with the Councils Code of Practice and other Control Room procedures that adhere to Information Commissioners Office and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and in respect of relevant legislation including the Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). You will assist the Council in meeting its obligations under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. You will operate professionally as an individual and as a team member for the benefit of the customer for the Council’s ‘Out of Hours Emergency Telephone Response Service’. You will need to be fully aware of all relevant council procedures that pertain to Out of Hours services. You will ensure compliance with health and safety and all other appropriate legislation in the execution of all tasks undertaken in the course of fulfilling the duties of the post.

NB: This position is offered on a casual, as‑and‑when basis, subject to service demand.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Previous experience of working in a similar role in another local authority would be highly advantageous but not essential.
  • Excellent communication skills are vital as you will be liaising with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Good IT skills, particularly in respect to MS Office and Windows, are also essential for this role.
  • You will need to demonstrate your skills in relation to the duties and responsibilities assigned to a Control Centre Operator and an ‘Out of Hours’ Customer Service Operator.
  • To be successful in this role, you need to be able to work effectively with individuals, teams, clients, customers and staff, supporting others and showing clear personal values in line with those of the organisation.
  • Public Space Surveillance CCTV Operator Licence / BTEC Level 2 in Public Space Surveillance would be advantageous.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

All applicants for this role will require a DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.

South End City Council

Contact Details:

South End City Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Control Room Operator (Casual)

Get Engaged in Local Politics

Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.

Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment

Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.

Leverage Online Job Portals

Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.

Tap Into Your University Resources

If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.

We think you need these skills to ace Control Room Operator (Casual)

CCTV Surveillance Operation
Knowledge of Regulatory Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
Understanding of Crime and Disorder Act 1998
Communication Skills
IT Skills
MS Office Proficiency
Windows Operating System Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!

Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.

Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.

Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!

How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service

In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from South End City Council.

Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions

Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.

Flexibility is Your Best Friend

Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show South End City Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.

Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills

In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.