GIS Support Assistant - Work Experience

About the GIS Team:

The GIS team at Dorset Council has 11 members who each focus on different parts of GIS work. GIS stands for Geographical Information Systems, which means we use technology to create maps and manage location data. Our goal is to help people find, use, and create maps and data about locations and places.

Key elements of role

Length: 1 to 2 weeks, KS4/5 (YR 10 to 13), longer placements are available for further and higher education. 

Aim: For students to gain a real experience of the workplace environment. One which allows them to learn new skills, gain confidence and develop their decision making towards future careers.  

Overview

The role of the GIS Support Assistant is to support the day-to-day delivery and support of GIS service within ICT Operations. During your placement you will get an understanding of how GIS and spatial data is used to support local authority services.

Key Responsibilities:

As a GIS Support Assistant, you’ll:

• Learn how the council uses GIS to support local services, like planning, transportation, and public health.
• Help answer questions from council staff about GIS.
• Assist in creating and updating important map data for the council.
• Help with setting up, updating, and using the council’s GIS systems.
• Take part in GIS-related projects, like working on the council’s Local Land Property Gazetteer (LLPG), a list of addresses that’s used by many council services.
• Provide general support with administrative tasks.

About You:

To make the most of this role, you should:

• Be open to learning and trying new things.
• Enjoy working with others as part of a team.
• Be able to keep your tasks organized and manage your time.
• Be enthusiastic and excited to learn about maps, technology, and how data helps support the community.

This is a great chance for anyone interested in technology, maps, or local government services. You’ll gain skills in using data and technology that can be useful in many careers.

• Location: The placement will take place at one of our offices in Dorchester, Wareham or Weymouth. Flexibility is offered to all applicants on the format of the work experience.
• Hours: To be agreed. Monday to Friday (9am – 3pm with 30 mins for lunch)
• Travel: Transport to and from placement to be arranged by student
• Meals: If in the office, bring a packed lunch, or you are welcome to walk into town to buy lunch. A café is available onsite at the Dorchester office. Times of breaks to be discussed
• Clothing: Smart, casual and appropriate clothing

Who can apply?

We welcome everyone, including students, unemployed individuals, and those looking to change careers. We aim to support the local community by offering valuable work experience opportunities.

What will be expected of you

During your placement, you will work with experienced staff on real projects and tasks. We expect you to:

• follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines
• take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed
• follow instructions from your placement manager
• attend work at the agreed times during your placement
• stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do

About you

What you will gain from a work experience placement

A work experience placement at Dorset Council can help you in the following ways:

• confidence: get used to the workplace and build your confidence
• new skills: learn new skills or improve the ones you already have
• networking: meet new people and make professional connections
• CV boost: show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV
• references: gain valuable references for future job applications
• share skills: use your unique skills to help our team

At Dorset Council, we’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work, and visit. Working for us should be no exception. If you want to make a real difference in your community, a work experience placement with us is a great opportunity. Working in local government is rewarding and offers the chance to solve important challenges.

Why work with us?

Local government touches the lives of everybody, everyday. At Dorset Council, we:

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents
• have ambitious aspirations and are excited about our future
• care deeply about Dorset and all the people who live here
• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success
  
  

Join us at Dorset Council and start making a difference in your community today.