Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

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Welcome to the Directorate
Departments and job roles
What our team has to say

Welcome to the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

Reading is a big town filled with people from all sorts of backgrounds, and many different teams work within the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services. The aim of all these teams is to maintain and improve the town and its communities. 

We’re committed to achieving net zero emissions, while enhancing our communities and creating job opportunities. We oversee highways, waste collection, arts, culture, and economic growth across Reading.

Watch our Interim Executive Director, Emma Gee, share an introduction to the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services in the 30-second video below:

Departments and job roles

We work tirelessly to improve the Reading community. You may have seen us out and about collecting waste, maintaining public spaces and carrying out repairs and maintenance works. Explore what each department does and example job roles below:

council staff smiling at work in a bin lorry
council staff smiling leant against a wall
Infrastructure, Economy and Capital Projects
We are dedicated to driving growth in Reading. Our department manages assets and works on strategic projects for sustainable development. Services include property management, regeneration, housing and economic development. We also collaborate with local partners for a greener future. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Strategic Assets Portfolio Manager
  • Education Capital Projects Officer
  • Climate Change Partnership Officer
  • Sustainability Manager
    • Search and apply

    Environmental and Commercial Services
    This department is made up of several functions including recycling and waste, streetscene and highway services. We handle everything from bin collections and grounds maintenance of open spaces, to waterway margins and highway verges. Our team also offers great training opportunities and benefits, such as contracted overtime and shift allowances. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Playground Officer
  • Groundsperson
  • Highway Inspector
  • Refuse Loader
    • Search and apply

    Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services
    The planning team supports the delivery of economic and sustainable growth while providing essential regulation to ensure an attractive and safe town. Besides handling planning applications, we also develop policies and systems to secure sustainable development. Our transport team guides the local transport plan, secures funding and manages transport-related planning. Public Protection Services help regulate businesses, work to protect the environment and improve air quality, as well as improving housing standards. Many of these functions support the delivery of Reading Festival each year! Some example roles in this department include:

  • Planning Officer
  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Building Control Surveyor
  • School Crossing Patrol Officer
    • Search and apply

    Culture
    At the heart of Reading’s community, our department promotes wellbeing through arts, theatres, libraries, sports and adult learning services. You can expect to find the team working across a range of venues such as the Hexagon, South Street, Reading Museum and New Directions College. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Culture Development Officer
  • Marketing Officer
  • Play Ranger
  • Box Office Assistant
    • Search and apply

    Property and Asset Management
    Our department consists of four service areas, Strategic Assets, Strategic Property Education Property and Facilities Management. We work hard to ensure that the council and it’s residents get the best value from it’s properties. We provide full management of many properties throughout the town including maintenance, compliance management and leases. Some example roles in this department include:

  • Facilities Manager
  • Cleaning Operative
  • Valuation Surveyor
  • Mechanical Engineer
    • Search and apply

    What our team has to say

    Discover the career journeys of our team members, in their own words. From how they started to where they are now, find out what it’s like to work at Reading Borough Council.

    Property and Development Surveyor 

    “I joined the council in 2007 as part of the Voids Housing department. I then moved into the Planned Maintenance Team as a Surveyor, and later the council sponsored me to complete a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction management. After earning my HNC, in 2018 I went on to achieve a degree in Building Surveying – also sponsored by the council. Now, part of the Housing New Build team, I’m working towards my RICS professional qualification. When I first joined the council I had no industry experience. They provided practical experience, guidance and support in covering the cost of my courses.”

    Reading Trades Supervisor

    “In 1996 I was offered a plumbing apprenticeship by a Reading Borough Council careers advisor. After four years of working and studying at Reading College, I achieved an NVQ level 2 and 3 in plumbing, heating and ventilation. I continued learning and later gained qualifications in health and safety, management and asbestos. I’m now a full time Reactive Trade Supervisor, with a team of over 40 operatives. Other courses I’ve taken on, supported by the council, include the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, Working Safely, Health and Safety level 2 and First Aid… to name a few! ”


    Jobs at Reading Borough Council

    Browse and apply to current vacancies on our dedicated careers website

    Search and apply for jobs
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    Last updated on 09/07/2024