Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs.
People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,340
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers perform some or all of the following duties:
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers usually work in an office setting with regular working hours And possibly some overtime.
These professionals may work individually or as part of a research team. Travel may be required to gather information or to attend meetings, workshops or conferences.
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers use computers, so they need to be aware of the stresses placed on the neck, back and shoulders while at their workstations.
Source: 2016 Census
Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers must have a bachelor's degree in education or in a discipline such as social science or business administration. Other requirements may include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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Job openings in the coming years will result from new job creation and the need to replace retiring workers.
Most job openings will likely be found in consulting firms, professional associations, research institutes, educational institutions and non-government organizations. Industry sources expect more work opportunities to be either part time or contractual, with self-employment becoming more common.
There may be regional differences in demand for workers in this occupation because of difficulties with recruitment and retention in rural areas. Industry sources also report that employers have difficulty filling some senior-level positions because of a shortage of experienced workers.
Job prospects are best for those with advanced degrees.
Career paths
Recent graduates can typically find part-time or on-call work as substitute teachers. Short-term work may include filling in openings caused by maternity leave or sabbaticals.
Teachers with experience may progress to other positions, such as education consultant, vice-principal, principal or school district senior management.
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