Essex County Council is recruiting a Registration Service Officer (Frontline) based at Basildon Library, paying £25,959 to £28,621 a year. The full-time post is a 12-month fixed-term contract, and applications close on 16 November 2026.

The officer will support people through some of the most important and sensitive moments in their lives, from registering births and deaths to taking notices of marriage and civil partnership. The role is primarily based at Basildon Library, with regular working at Rayleigh and Benfleet Libraries, and some training may take place in Chelmsford.

What the job involves

The officer will register births, deaths and stillbirths accurately and in line with legislation and General Register Office requirements, take notices of marriage and civil partnership, and provide a sensitive, respectful and professional service to customers. The work also includes checking information carefully, maintaining accurate records, protecting confidential and personal information, and completing reconciliation, certificate and stock-management processes.

The council says no previous registration experience is needed, as comprehensive training and support will be provided to help the successful candidate develop the specialist knowledge and confidence the role requires. The officer will join a dedicated and experienced team committed to providing the best possible service to Essex residents.

Pay, hours and working pattern

The salary is £25,959 up to £28,621 a year for the full-time post, which is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. The working pattern runs on a four-week rota: in week one the officer works Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, with Tuesday as a lieu day, and in weeks two to four works Monday to Friday. During the initial training period, the officer will work a weekday instead of a Saturday.

Because travel between libraries is required, the postholder will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or another reliable way of meeting the mobility requirements of the role. Applicants should note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role, and applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Who can apply

The council is looking for someone committed to excellent customer service, who communicates clearly, stays calm and compassionate when dealing with sensitive or emotionally difficult situations, works accurately and pays close attention to detail. Applicants should be educated to A level or NVQ Level 3, or have equivalent relevant experience, and be confident using Microsoft Office and web-based systems or able to learn new systems quickly.

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who choose to apply under its Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the role. The council says it is also committed to interviewing all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. The post may require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the successful candidate would need to register with the DBS update service.

About the Registration Service

Essex County Council is one of the largest local authorities in the UK, covering more than 1,420 square miles and serving about 1.8 million residents. In March 2026 the government announced that Greater Essex had been accepted onto the devolution priority programme, working towards a Mayoral Combined County Authority, and the council notes this may have implications for the role.

How to apply

Applications must be made online through the council's Working for Essex jobs portal, and the closing date is 16 November 2026. Anyone with queries about the role can email the council's resourcing team at resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk. Basildon Library, where the role is mainly based, is part of the Essex Library Service, and the council's registration offices also handle the county's marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.

Published 11 November 2026. Details are as stated on the Essex County Council Working for Essex portal; check the advert before applying.