A local government officer should have excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and ability to deal with different people. He/she should possess good negotiation skills, tactfulness and diplomacy. A logical approach to specific problems, attention to detail, and decision making capabilities are also essential. Strong analytical skills and understanding of written and verbal communications is also essential. Strong mathematical skills, ability to use computers, etc are also needed. Sometimes you will also need to travel short distances as part of your job requirements.