anchor1Archive of a day in the life of...

anchor2Benefits Assessor - East Dorset District Council

My job is to work out whether local people are entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit – help towards the cost of their rent or council tax bill.

The people who apply may have lost their job, had an accident that means they can’t work, reached retirement or are living with a disability.

There is quite a lot of direct contact with the public, both on the phone and face to face. You have to be quite sensitive because we need to know people’s personal and financial circumstances to decide how much help we can give. This is worked out using a fairly complicated government formula, but you always have the support of others in the office.

We are also encouraged to keep an eye out for signs that people may be making fraudulent claims. These are passed on to someone else to investigate.

The job can be challenging. We are often trying to help people with very chaotic lifestyles. You rarely receive a thank you and many people assume they are entitled to benefits when they are not. Making that decision and breaking the news can be hard.

This morning I helped a gentleman who had been made redundant after 35 years of work. The real job satisfaction comes when you make a difference for someone who is at a real low point in their life. The benefits we give can sometimes mean the difference between a home staying together or breaking up.

anchor3Gareth Kitching – Planning Officer - East Dorset District Council

My working day normally starts at around 8.30am.

The first thing I do is create a structure to the day by planning my work. In short, my job is to determine planning applications.

A Planning Officer is a jack-of-all-trades, front-line position, advising residents on all aspects of planning.

I regularly have between 20 and 30 applications on the go at any one time. These can range from a conservatory to a new housing development – a real broad spectrum.

When applications arrive in the office, they are divided amongst the team according to each member’s skills and interests. My main interest is that of historic or listed buildings. Other specialisms in the team include affordable housing and telecoms.

When an application is received a planner checks its validity with partners such as Natural England and the Environment Agency and then normally goes out on site for assessments, visiting properties to get a feel for their character. The Council encourages applications that are energy efficient, including sustainable travel and using sustainable building techniques.

Once a Planning Officer has made their decision they write a report with a recommendation. It takes 8 weeks to determine an application from date of validation / registration.

Last thing I do everyday is to work out was hasn’t been done and include it for tomorrow’s plan

anchor4Harbour Master

I am the Harbour Master for Lyme Regis. My responsibility is for the entire harbour area and one third of the main beach. In this job you need to be able to think on your feet as no two days are ever the same, however some things need to be done regularly.

First thing in the morning I download the weather forecast and tide times from the Met office and display them for local boat users. Then I check the harbour for health and safety risks, making sure all ropes and nets are tidy and general cleanliness is up to standard. Throughout the day people drop in to my office to pay for their moorings or ask advice, I help out where I can and have a good relationship with local sea-farers.

My working hours vary, during the boat lift-out period, with the pleasure boats coming out of the water for winter, I am down at the harbour as early as 5am. Other times, if there is evening racing on for the yacht club I may have to work late in to the evening.

This job is unique, there is so much variety. I work in one of the most beautiful areas of the West Dorset with views stretching from Portland Bill to the west and Devon coastline to the east. In the summer the days are hot and sunny whilst in the winter the stormy sea is spectacular.

Anchor5Katie Birks - Countryside Ranger at Moors Valley Country Park - East Dorset District Council

One of the many good things about my job is that no two days are ever the same.

The Park opens from dawn until dusk with staggered starts for Rangers. Early shifts start at 7am and we begin by putting the entrance barriers down, picking up litter left behind by the previous evening’s visitors, raking the sand in the children’s play areas and opening the Visitor Centre.

Usually, dog-walkers are the Park’s first visitors, followed by the first school visits of the day. Rangers get involved in a wide variety of exciting tasks with the pupils. We pond-dip, shelter build, teach survival skills, orienteer or even go mini-beast hunting!

Local farms loans cows to the Park and Rangers look after them, ensuring they have enough food and drink and are safe and well.

Animals are not the only ones kept safe by Rangers; we are all first-aid and defibrillator trained. The Park is a safe place to visit but Rangers are in constant contact with each other to ensure lost children or pets are swiftly reunited with their family.

Rangers assist visitors who want to loan cycles, wheelchairs and disability scooters to travel around the Park. We work closely with our colleagues in Go Ape, the Forestry Commission and golf club to ensure the Park’s smooth running.

We also spend time on the Visitors Centre’s reception desk, where we direct people around the Park and sell tickets for parking and fishing.

My favourite part of the job is helping the volunteers who maintain the rivers, lakes and ponds around the Park. Rivers at Moors Valley are sites of special scientific interest because of the large number of dragonfly and damselfly species present.

Days can finish at 3.30pm or continue on to 8pm, depending on the time of year. The park has over 750,000 visitors every year and we like to make sure that everyone leaves happy.

anchor6Joe Symes - Centre Assistant at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Dorchester - West Dorset District Council

We work in shifts so I start work at 6.45am if I’m on the early one. Each shift lasts just over seven hours with the evening one finishing at 10.30pm.

When I’m on lifeguard duty, I do it for 40 minute stretches and then swap over to do other work in the centre for 20 minutes. I keep an eye on all the swimmers, looking out for anyone in difficulty.

I don’t ever get bored, I keep my attention by being interested in what’s going on. People skills are needed when speaking to swimmers who are being inconsiderate or unsafe. Usually it’s children who just need to be reminded of the rules. I talk to customers, answering questions or listening to their comments which I feedback to my supervisor. We’re the face of the organisation really.

I find having a break to do other work also helps my concentration. As part of this we clean the showers, floors and toilets in the changing rooms. I’m more than happy to do this work as I personally wouldn’t want to use a centre that wasn’t clean.

We also set up equipment for other activities at the leisure centre. We help the coaches and supervisors with activities organised for children during school holidays. We try to make it as much fun as possible for the children.

During the two years I’ve been in this job, I have gained valuable experience and qualifications. This will help me in my plans for a long-term career in the leisure industry.

anchor7Dan Carter - started in the refuse collection team and now works as a supervisor - West Dorset District Council

Work starts around 7am when the refuse collectors join their team and drive away in the refuse collection vehicles (or bin lorries). They always work with the same team which picks up rubbish from the same streets every week. They get to know people on their rounds especially in the villages.

The collectors represent the council because so many people see them in the street. They get asked all sorts of questions such as directions to places. You need to be pleasant and outgoing but also polite as many people ask about council services and say if they’re not happy with them.

It’s very hard physical work and you’re on your feet most of the day, lifting different weights. The teams are given protective boots and gloves and must wear them all the time on the rounds. They work in all weathers, which means it’s dark and cold on winter mornings and hot in the summer, which makes the rubbish smell. After Christmas and New Year, there’s a lot more to collect.

Each round has to be finished before the teams go back to their depot and work usually ends about 2pm.

The best thing about the job is you work outside in the fresh air. Everyone enjoys working in their teams, a good laugh makes the day go easier. Refuse collectors are often underestimated but people would soon notice if they weren’t there and they do get thanked now and again.


Dorset jobs Council jobs My jobs account Living in Dorset Working for us Day in the life of Archive of day in the life of How to apply Learning and development Rewards and benefits Equality and diversity --- Subscribe to our jobs feeds (opens in a new window) What are jobs feeds? --- Text size: A A A --- Dorset jobs from planning to teaching and social services to environmental experts. Be alerted to new jobs in Dorset by signing up to emails or our news feed.	anchor1Archive of a day in the life of... Benefits Assessor Planning Officer Harbour Master Countryside Ranger Centre Assistant Refuse Collector anchor2Benefits Assessor - East Dorset District Council My job is to work out whether local people are entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit – help towards the cost of their rent or council tax bill. The people who apply may have lost their job, had an accident that means they can’t work, reached retirement or are living with a disability. There is quite a lot of direct contact with the public, both on the phone and face to face. You have to be quite sensitive because we need to know people’s personal and financial circumstances to decide how much help we can give. This is worked out using a fairly complicated government formula, but you always have the support of others in the office. We are also encouraged to keep an eye out for signs that people may be making fraudulent claims. These are passed on to someone else to investigate. The job can be challenging. We are often trying to help people with very chaotic lifestyles. You rarely receive a thank you and many people assume they are entitled to benefits when they are not. Making that decision and breaking the news can be hard. This morning I helped a gentleman who had been made redundant after 35 years of work. The real job satisfaction comes when you make a difference for someone who is at a real low point in their life. The benefits we give can sometimes mean the difference between a home staying together or breaking up. anchor3Gareth Kitching – Planning Officer - East Dorset District Council My working day normally starts at around 8.30am. The first thing I do is create a structure to the day by planning my work. In short, my job is to determine planning applications. A Planning Officer is a jack-of-all-trades, front-line position, advising residents on all aspects of planning. I regularly have between 20 and 30 applications on the go at any one time. These can range from a conservatory to a new housing development – a real broad spectrum. When applications arrive in the office, they are divided amongst the team according to each member’s skills and interests. My main interest is that of historic or listed buildings. Other specialisms in the team include affordable housing and telecoms. When an application is received a planner checks its validity with partners such as Natural England and the Environment Agency and then normally goes out on site for assessments, visiting properties to get a feel for their character. The Council encourages applications that are energy efficient, including sustainable travel and using sustainable building techniques. Once a Planning Officer has made their decision they write a report with a recommendation. It takes 8 weeks to determine an application from date of validation / registration. Last thing I do everyday is to work out was hasn’t been done and include it for tomorrow’s plan anchor4Harbour Master I am the Harbour Master for Lyme Regis. My responsibility is for the entire harbour area and one third of the main beach. In this job you need to be able to think on your feet as no two days are ever the same, however some things need to be done regularly. First thing in the morning I download the weather forecast and tide times from the Met office and display them for local boat users. Then I check the harbour for health and safety risks, making sure all ropes and nets are tidy and general cleanliness is up to standard. Throughout the day people drop in to my office to pay for their moorings or ask advice, I help out where I can and have a good relationship with local sea-farers. My working hours vary, during the boat lift-out period, with the pleasure boats coming out of the water for winter, I am down at the harbour as early as 5am. Other times, if there is evening racing on for the yacht club I may have to work late in to the evening. This job is unique, there is so much variety. I work in one of the most beautiful areas of the West Dorset with views stretching from Portland Bill to the west and Devon coastline to the east. In the summer the days are hot and sunny whilst in the winter the stormy sea is spectacular. Anchor5Katie Birks - Countryside Ranger at Moors Valley Country Park - East Dorset District Council One of the many good things about my job is that no two days are ever the same. The Park opens from dawn until dusk with staggered starts for Rangers. Early shifts start at 7am and we begin by putting the entrance barriers down, picking up litter left behind by the previous evening’s visitors, raking the sand in the children’s play areas and opening the Visitor Centre. Usually, dog-walkers are the Park’s first visitors, followed by the first school visits of the day. Rangers get involved in a wide variety of exciting tasks with the pupils. We pond-dip, shelter build, teach survival skills, orienteer or even go mini-beast hunting! Local farms loans cows to the Park and Rangers look after them, ensuring they have enough food and drink and are safe and well. Animals are not the only ones kept safe by Rangers; we are all first-aid and defibrillator trained. The Park is a safe place to visit but Rangers are in constant contact with each other to ensure lost children or pets are swiftly reunited with their family. Rangers assist visitors who want to loan cycles, wheelchairs and disability scooters to travel around the Park. We work closely with our colleagues in Go Ape, the Forestry Commission and golf club to ensure the Park’s smooth running. We also spend time on the Visitors Centre’s reception desk, where we direct people around the Park and sell tickets for parking and fishing. My favourite part of the job is helping the volunteers who maintain the rivers, lakes and ponds around the Park. Rivers at Moors Valley are sites of special scientific interest because of the large number of dragonfly and damselfly species present. Days can finish at 3.30pm or continue on to 8pm, depending on the time of year. The park has over 750,000 visitors every year and we like to make sure that everyone leaves happy. anchor6Joe Symes - Centre Assistant at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Dorchester - West Dorset District Council We work in shifts so I start work at 6.45am if I’m on the early one. Each shift lasts just over seven hours with the evening one finishing at 10.30pm. When I’m on lifeguard duty, I do it for 40 minute stretches and then swap over to do other work in the centre for 20 minutes. I keep an eye on all the swimmers, looking out for anyone in difficulty. I don’t ever get bored, I keep my attention by being interested in what’s going on. People skills are needed when speaking to swimmers who are being inconsiderate or unsafe. Usually it’s children who just need to be reminded of the rules. I talk to customers, answering questions or listening to their comments which I feedback to my supervisor. We’re the face of the organisation really. I find having a break to do other work also helps my concentration. As part of this we clean the showers, floors and toilets in the changing rooms. I’m more than happy to do this work as I personally wouldn’t want to use a centre that wasn’t clean. We also set up equipment for other activities at the leisure centre. We help the coaches and supervisors with activities organised for children during school holidays. We try to make it as much fun as possible for the children. During the two years I’ve been in this job, I have gained valuable experience and qualifications. This will help me in my plans for a long-term career in the leisure industry. anchor7Dan Carter - started in the refuse collection team and now works as a supervisor - West Dorset District Council Work starts around 7am when the refuse collectors join their team and drive away in the refuse collection vehicles (or bin lorries). They always work with the same team which picks up rubbish from the same streets every week. They get to know people on their rounds especially in the villages. The collectors represent the council because so many people see them in the street. They get asked all sorts of questions such as directions to places. You need to be pleasant and outgoing but also polite as many people ask about council services and say if they’re not happy with them. It’s very hard physical work and you’re on your feet most of the day, lifting different weights. The teams are given protective boots and gloves and must wear them all the time on the rounds. They work in all weathers, which means it’s dark and cold on winter mornings and hot in the summer, which makes the rubbish smell. After Christmas and New Year, there’s a lot more to collect. Each round has to be finished before the teams go back to their depot and work usually ends about 2pm. The best thing about the job is you work outside in the fresh air. Everyone enjoys working in their teams, a good laugh makes the day go easier. Refuse collectors are often underestimated but people would soon notice if they weren’t there and they do get thanked now and again. back to top