Public sector industry job descriptions

Far from an industry filled with stuffy offices and jobsworths, the public sector is a huge employer with jobs covering everything from firefighters and the police through to civil servants…

We take a look at some of the jobs you can do within the public sector at the moment – and don’t be put off by the media stories of an industry in turmoil!

So, what public sector job can I do?

Depending on your interests, qualifications, experiences and skills there is a huge selection of jobs to choose from.

We take a look at some public sector industry job descriptions…

Police officer and community support officer?

On the big screen, police jump through the air with guns and take down crime without a shred of paperwork to do. If the reality was like that, Bruce Willis look-a-likes would have shown up during the riots so it may be time to burst that myth. However, what aren’t seen in the movies are all the perks of the job. Then there's that fancy uniform...

Police officer job description

Community support officer job description

Firefighter

There are some jobs that instantly sound cool, and without doubt the heroic image of the fire fighter is one of them. Looking past the iconic uniform (pay attention please), the idea of rescuing people from burning buildings sounds more like a superhero film than an actual job. But trust us when we say it’s more than just playing the hero… Intrigued?

Firefighter job description

Politician

Politicians; everyone’s got an opinion on them, from your local councillor to the current occupant at Downing Street. Love them or hate them, they make important decisions to shape our society. But looking beyond Question Time or watching backbenchers falling asleep in the House of Commons, it’s an exciting job where you can make a genuine difference.

Politician job description

Civil servant

It’s easy to assume that all employers are putting on a recruitment freeze or hiring the bare minimum amount of staff. But what if we told you that one of the country’s major employers not only currently employs around 498,000 full-time staff, but they’re still hiring? We’re talking about working as a civil servant. Interested?

Civil servant job description

Infantry soldier

The armed forces are the cornerstone of a country's defence system and nobody is more central to the action than an infantry soldier. Less Dad's Army and more Band of Brothers, the Army is incredibly well respected in the UK and as a soldier you could be putting your life on the line to serve 'Queen and Country'. However, there's a lot more to being an infantry soldier than just chucking on some camouflage gear and heading to a war zone.

Infantry soldier job description

Postman and postwoman

When you excitedly wait for the post to arrive (or nervously await bills) do you ever stop and think about how it gets to you, or what being a postman or postwoman might be like? With over 80 million items to deliver to 27 million addresses, the Royal Mail could always do with a helping hand...

Postman postwoman job description

Fundraising manager

If Blue Peter has taught us anything it’s that raising money for other people is both satisfying and fun. Whether you’ve baked cakes, sold your unwanted possessions or dressed up in silly costumes for charity, it all makes a difference. Most organisations, particularly charities, need help to bring in the money so they can continue their good work... And that is where a fundraising manager comes in.

Fundraising manager job description