What does the province do?
The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces. The provinces form the link between the municipalities and the state. So to say, they deal with issues which are too substantial for the boroughs and not substantial enough for the state to take on. The provinces often co-operate with other governmental authorities (state, municipalities, water boards) and with businesses and social organisations. One of the most important provincial responsibilities is environmental planning. The province determines if cities and villages are allowed to expand, where industrial estates and business parks can be built. Many people do not know that the province is also responsible for the accessibility of cities, villages and the countryside. Examples of this are the regional bus and regional taxi. Furthermore, the province motivates the people to spend more time outdoors by developing natural parks, cycle routes and by subsidising cultural activities such as music festivals and exhibitions.
A safe and clean environment is of great importance to all of us. That’s why the province ensures the swimming waters are clean, busses are equipped with soot filters, CO2 emission limitation measures for companies are taken, there are safe routes for truck drivers transporting hazardous goods, and ambulances are able to reach their destination as quickly as possible.
Who runs the province?
The provincial administration consists of the Provincial Council, the Provincial Executive and the Queen’s Commissioner. The Provincial Council is similar to the House of Representatives or the Municipal Council. They are the province’s highest official body and decide on the province’s actions. The members of the Provincial Council are elected once every four years by the provinces’ population.
The Provincial Executive is elected by the Provincial Council. They compare to the ministers and state secretaries as well as the Mayor and College of Alderman in a borough.
The Queen’s Commissioner is the best-known provincial executive. Like a mayor, the Queen’s Commissioner is not elected, but appointed by the Crown (Queen and the ministers). The provinces’ administration is supported by the civil servants. They prepare the plans and execute the administration’s decisions.
Working for the province
The province’s large work field is very appealing to those looking for a job. If you are interested in social issues and would like to be involved in matters such as child welfare, a clean environment, an attractive economy or a safe water economy, please do visit the job section on the province’s website. Apart from many political and advisory positions, the provinces offer many managerial and executive positions. For example: environmental health inspector, bridge keeper, project manager, lawyer, muskrat catcher, communication advisor, secretary, career advisor, administrative assistant, catering manager, technician, works foreman.
The twelve provinces employ over 13,000 people. About a 115,000 people work for the state and 185,000 people are in municipal positions. Approximately 30% of all provincial employees are less than 40 years old and almost 40% are female.
