As a whole generation of baby boomers begins to retire, we in local government are searching for energetic learning-oriented younger workers and talented second- or third-career older workers. Public service is a wonderfully fulfilling career for a number of reasons:

1. Meaningful, Challenging Work

Local government service is inherently meaningful because our work is related to building and improving communities. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City and county planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and culture, and library professionals enhance community life. City, town, and county management takes the aspirations of residents and the policy goals of the elected governing board and puts those aspirations and goals into action.

Public service at the local level is also fulfilling because employees see the fruits of their labors. On a daily basis, local government employees see street and other infrastructure improvements; new buildings coming out of the ground; safety improvements; and happier, more fulfilled children, families, and senior residents.

Public service at the local level is also challenging work. The efforts of local government workers happens in the context of local government, where everyone gets to participate, and everyone has a say.

Every day presents new challenges, new problems, and lots of stimuli.

2. Financial Benefits

Local government service offers salaries that are now competitive with the private sector and benefits that are often better. Public agencies need employees with all kinds of talents, skills and occupational interests. Below are samples of positions and recent salaries offered by an average small-to-mid-sized city or county:

As you can see, local government offers employment in many, many disciplines.

3. Steady Demand for Services

Another reason to consider a career in local government is that the public needs, wants, and demands services. Residents typically do not ask their local government to reduce library, police, or fire services; public works; utilities; park and recreation; or other programs.

While local government may have to cut programs from time-to-time because tax or other revenues decline, the demand for services remains steady.

4. Learning Abounds

Local governments operate in a very dynamic environment. Changing resident demands, new federal and state laws and regulations, technology advances, demographic changes, new value trends, and other societal forces often make technical skills obsolete. Consequently, local governments need agile learners who are eager to pick up new ways of doing business or delivering services. Simply put, we are looking for young people and second- and third-career people who provide "learn-how" as well as "know-how" to our public organizations.

5. Plenty of Opportunities

Again, longtime baby-boomer employees (born 1946-1964) are now retiring. Local government needs a new generation of younger workers as well as those considering second or third careers. Consider local government if:

• You want meaningful and challenging work.
• You want to make a difference and build and improve communities.
• You want a competitive salary and good benefits.
• You are interested in learning.

Come join us in making a difference in your own backyard!

First Steps

Before a professional manager or administrator can be hired, a local government’s structure of government must be modified to provide for the position. The process of creating a position of manager or administrator can vary from state to state.

• Some local governments have the authority to act on their own initiative to adopt local ordinances, laws, or resolutions to create the position of a manager or administrator who is appointed by the elected governing body.
• In states where local governments may write their own charter under home-rule provisions, a number of communities take advantage of that opportunity to create a professional manager or administrator position. 
• Some states have enacted statutes that provide for alternative forms or optional charters that local governments can adopt to establish an appointed manager or administrator position.
• In some states, structural change can take place by obtaining charters through special legislation adopted by the state legislative body.  

Consider your community’s unique demands and needs

Many professional local government managers and administrators have earned an advanced degree and have held positions of increasing authority. 

• Beyond the basic education and experience required by the position, the community's elected officials should develop a job description that outlines their expectations and measurable objectives. 
• Elected officials should also develop a profile of the kind of manager or administrator who will best serve their community's needs.

ICMA can help your local government facilitate this process. The organization's Recruitment Guidelines for Selecting a Local Government Administrator is a definitive resource that contains tips on recruiting applicants, determining finalists, and interviewing techniques.

Begin the search

• Determine whether elected officials will conduct their own search or work with an executive recruitment firm.
• Prepare and place advertisements in publications that will attract the most qualified candidates, such as ICMA's e-newsletter, Leadership Matters; the ICMA JobCenter; and state association publications.

Make the selection

• Review resumes and identify potential candidates based on their experience and established criteria.
• Select the top candidates and schedule interviews with the evaluation panel.
• Once a decision has been reached, negotiate the terms and conditions of employment with the new manager or administrator and formalize a written agreement.
• Finally, at this time, it is important to develop mutually agreed-upon goals and establish an annual review process through which the elected body and the manager or administrator can discuss performance.

Downloads

Recruitment Guidelines for Selecting a Local Government Administrator