Look for jobs ‘outside the big smoke’
If you’ve been contemplating a shift away from the big smoke, this may be the time to do it. Big cities may be littered with casualties of the economic crisis, but many local government bodies in regional areas are crying out for skilled staff.
There are opportunities for professionals keen on a sea change or a tree change.
“Often it is the security of a public sector job over the private sector that is appealing, and in today’s economic climate this has become increasingly important to many candidates,’’ says Kathy Kostyrko, director (public sector) with recruitment firm Hays.
Hays has several such roles on its books, including a town planner’s position in a “serene and picturesque council’’ located three hours north of Melbourne, where a 19-day month is the norm.
“What will also appeal to candidates about this role is that it will be much more varied than a role available in a metropolitan area,’’ Kostyrko says.
Then there’s the opening for an environmental health officer where travelling from the beaches of Bowen to the sugar cane fields of inland Proserpine and island-hopping the Whitsundays are key requirements.
In addition to job security, work-life balance considerations are also prime motivators for applying for local government posts.
“Many people are now seeking a job that fits their lifestyle as opposed to working a 12-hour day, and this is achievable in such jobs,’’ Kostyrko says.
Because the public sector can’t always match private sector salaries for senior roles, local councils frequently offer additional inducements to attract candidates, she adds.
“Some offer wonderful packages that include shorter working weeks, flexible hours, work-from-home arrangements, subsidised child care-or even the offer of a creche place as part of the package—subsidised cafeterias and personal and professional training and development.
“Also, the type of work is a major factor, and it’s here that big projects—with unique opportunities that only local government can offer -are good motivators.’’
When Sydneysider Judy Hitchcock packed her bags and moved to Mudgee, NSW, last year, she was hoping for a change of pace along with the chance “to buy a house and get a dog’’.
“Moving to the country has been a goal for a long time; it was part of a list of 10 things I really wanted to do,’’ she explains.
Now working as human resources manager for the Mid-Western Regional Council, Hitchcock says she can count at least a half dozen like-minded tree-changers who arrived after her, including an executive assistant, an economic development officer and an environment officer.
“From time to time we advertise positions and the number of applications really depends on the skills we seek,’’ she says. “We usually get about 10 applications per position, depending on the position and its specialisation.’’
Hitchcock says there are many benefits to leaving the city behind, including big back yards, no traffic lights, a 10-minute walk to work and the opportunity to experience the seasons, from crisp, cold winter mornings to long, hot summer days and, right now, the changing colour of autumn leaves.
“Being part of a community is also nice: my neighbours water my plants when I go away and that’s without me even asking them to,’’ she says.
But there are downsides, she admits, that ought to be weighed before you call in the removalists. For example, there is a lack of medical services, so it frequently takes four weeks to get an appointment to see a GP, and to visit a specialist it’s necessary to travel to Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst or Sydney.
“The range of produce and groceries is more limited, so it’s harder to find the ingredients to cook those more exotic recipes,’’ Hitchcock says.
“And then there are no kebabs at midnight, but you can get hot chicken rolls at the local service station.’’
Candidates also need to consider the potential effects on their career.
“Sometimes [they] feel that their skills will deteriorate in a regional role, making them unemployable in the city in the future,’’ Kostyrko says. “However, we would urge candidates to consider their motivation.
“While they may have a very successful career in the private sector or a larger city, if they are looking to add value, they can really give back to the community and, in these cases, such roles are ideal.’’
