Inspiring people to make their next career move in 2026 is the focus of a major recruitment campaign highlighting attractive job opportunities in North Yorkshire.
For the second year, we are partnering with the Local Government Association to promote the Make a Difference, Work for your Local Council campaign.
The national campaign shines a light on the difference that people make in the communities they serve, and the variety of careers, flexible working, and development opportunities on offer.
We deliver essential and wide-ranging services across England’s largest county.
Among the rewarding roles that you could find yourself in at the council include supporting children who have special educational needs to help them to fulfil their full potential close to their homes.
You could also find a job to help support the 3,500 people in residential or nursing care, or perhaps a role working in one of the our 16 leisure and wellbeing hubs would appeal.
There is also the possibility of working in our cultural and arts service in community museums and libraries, or venues such as the Scarborough Open Air Theatre. This year, it staged performances from music stars including Will Smith, Gary Barlow and The Corrs.
The wide-ranging roles include plumbers, joiners and electricians working in properties, as well as engineers and planners that help shape and improve the infrastructure of towns and villages.
Staff are employed to improve the environment in roles that collect, reduce and recycle waste, and deliver initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint or support businesses to grow as a trading standards or economic development career.
The national campaign features our technology service, highlighting the diverse job opportunities in this field.
In addition to frontline service roles, there are careers in finance, technology, human resources, legal, procurement and business administration.
More than 3,700 vacancies have been advertised in the past year to more than 1,000 different job roles. There are an average of 310 roles advertised monthly and there are about 130 different jobs to apply for that change daily.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The recruitment campaign is important in enticing new talent into careers that provide services that residents rely on every day.
“From care workers to electricians, curators to group exercise instructors, and engineers to accountants, it takes a variety of skills and expertise to provide the services we offer.
“We offer a comprehensive rewards package for our staff, consisting of competitive pay, generous annual leave, employer contribution pension, and hybrid working options to help you achieve a better work-life balance. Through our employee benefits you can make your pay go further too.”
Kashmir Kaur is a mental health social worker and has worked for the authority for 11 years.
“I chose to work in local government because it allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives within my own community,” she said.
“My career in social work aligns with my values of fairness, inclusion, and empowerment, and offers a platform to advocate for society’s most vulnerable groups.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the positive impact of my support. Whether it’s helping someone regain confidence, access essential services, or feel heard during a difficult time.”
Julie Turner, a senior engineer in transport and development within the environment directorate, feels privileged to be working alongside many other talented women in senior roles.
She reviews planning applications from a highway’s perspective, ensuring developments are safe, accessible, and sustainable. She now mentors colleagues to help others achieve professional qualifications.
“I have some astounding colleagues who are able to be very progressive and deal with all the many challenges that face them with optimism and enthusiasm, as well as their depth of knowledge.
“I like knowing that I have done my best to make it safer for communities move around and safely get to work, school and home again.
“I would recommend a career in local government. There are so many careers available, even once you have a post, you can find out about other opportunities that might suit you even better.”
More than nine in 10 councils across the country are experiencing staff recruitment and retention difficulties as demand for services continues to rise.
Chief executive, Richard Flinton, added: “Once again we are supporting the campaign to highlight the impact that local government employees have on their communities and showcase the diverse career opportunities available.
“We are dedicated to providing essential services that make North Yorkshire a great place to live and work, and we need the right people to make this happen.
“We’re seeking passionate individuals to join our talented teams and provide vital services across our diverse county.
“We are an inclusive employer. The people who work for us are as diverse as the people and places we serve, right across North Yorkshire.”
All jobs and career opportunities with us.
See the rewards and benefits available and a comprehensive brochure on the careers on offer.
The Local Government Association has also launched a dedicated campaign website.