Description
The City Manager's office is on the lookout for a dynamic and organized individual to join our team as an Assistant to the City Manager.
The City Manager's Office takes great pride in its contribution to the City, which includes overseeing the City's legislation and public information programs, finance/budget administration, contract administration, information technology contract, and special projects. This position will play a key role in the Administrative Services and Management Services Departments and to local government.
The incumbent will enjoy a family environment and be a part of an enthusiastic work force that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events.
The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare them for advancement by introducing them to a variety of projects and responsibilities. If you want to join a hard-working team that shares a commitment to keep the City of La Palma safe, clean, and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of La Palma.
Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work!
Click here: Join our team!
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: An original City of La Palma application must be submitted online at www.lapalmaca.gov. The City must receive completed applications, resumes, and supplemental questionnaires by the final filing date and time listed to be eligible for consideration. Facsimiles will not be accepted. Resumes will not, nor will references to a resume, be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Please note, that the City now notifies all applicants by e-mail. Applicants that indicate a paper notification preference, will still receive paper notices; however, the information contained in those notices will likely be delayed. During the recruitment process, we encourage applicants to check their e-mail account frequently.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be screened and those candidates who present the most relevant qualifications and possess the required licenses and certificates for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include testing and oral interviews.
A Background Investigation, including a criminal record check may be required. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including a drug and alcohol screen).
Should a qualified individual with disabilities need reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the examination process, the City of La Palma must be notified no later than five working days prior to the scheduled examination date.
The City of La Palma does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, or disability. Equal employment opportunity will apply to all personnel actions, including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, training, transfers, promotions, evaluation, compensation, discipline, layoffs, terminations, and rehires.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change.
Under general direction from the City Manager and/or Deputy City Managers, performs professional complex, technical, analytical, and administrative duties in support of the City Manager and Deputy City Manager with responsibility for overseeing the City's legislation and public information programs, finance/budget administration, contract administration, information technology contract, special projects, and other duties as assigned. Provides leadership and oversight to interns, volunteers, and staff.
This is a single-position professional classification in the Management and Administrative Services Departments where the incumbent is expected to perform a wide range of complex administrative and technical duties of subjects involving municipal administrative policies of the City Manager and City Council, special projects, and other issues on a departmental and city-wide basis; serves as communication and policy liaison between the City Council, the City Manager’s Office, other departments, and the general public; creates and recommends new policies, programs, and procedures.
Scope of Work and Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Administer the public information program preparing press releases, news articles, web page, and responding to inquiries from both the public and the press.
- Analyze the effects of current and pending legislation on City programs and operations and make recommendations; develop response and legislative proposals; and keep City staff apprised of pending and enacted legislation.
- Manages special projects as assigned by the City Manager and or Deputy City Manager; performs complex research and analysis on public policy issues and prepares reports and presents findings accordingly.
- As assigned, administers contract or grant-funded program activity, overseeing and monitoring work performed; prepares or drafts related proposals, reports, and records; monitors budget expenditures.
- Initiates correspondence, prepares public notices, monthly newsletters, or drafts council reports or public documents requiring sensitivity to issues and knowledge of related laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
- As designated representative, leads or participates in committee activity; coordinates or conducts activities with other City Departments, agencies, and organizations, and the community, contributing views and interests of the department in execution of assigned duties.
- Participates in budget preparation, analysis, and administration; researches and prepares cost analysis; and prepares grant requests.
- Provides assistance to management, other City personnel, and the public regarding administrative, fiscal, or operational issues, policies, or procedures; conducts or completes surveys; as directed, responds to inquiries regarding department operations and provides explanation of department activities, policies, and procedures.
- Assists with management of the City’s Information Technology Consultant contract and participates in the implementation and maintenance of Information Technology functions, including computer hardware, software, and network infrastructure.
- Manages and updates the City website, including conducting training as appropriate.
- Attends City Council and other required meetings as necessary; may occasionally answer questions and make presentations.
- Attends professional trainings and conferences to stay abreast of industry best practices.
- Travels to offsite locations within and outside of the City.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of municipal government management including budget preparation and administration.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
- Methods and techniques for writing and presentations, contract management, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- General knowledge of municipal programs such as, but not limited to, accounting, budgeting, auditing, or other municipal government related programs.
Skill in:
- Performing complex professional administrative and analytical work requiring sensitivity to issues.
- Interpreting and applying related laws, ordinances, and policies.
- Researching, analyzing, and evaluating programs, policies, and procedures.
- Preparing complete, clear, and concise technical and informational reports on a variety of specialized issues and program areas.
- Preparing departmental budgets, applying general municipal finance policies and procedures, and related tasks.
- Providing liaison to other city personnel, other agencies, and the public.
- Work independently under general supervision.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with management, staff, the public, and others contacted in the course of the work.
- Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
- Providing a high level of customer service.
Education And/or Experience
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Completion of a four-year college curriculum in public administration, business, or a related field; and at least five years of responsible public sector experience related to the responsibilities of the position. A Master's degree in public or business administration is highly desirable.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Positions in this classification occasionally lift, move, and carry objects that typically weigh up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job are those required to perform office machine operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Note:
All employees of the City of La Palma are designated by State law to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health, and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours, and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
Qualifications
The City offers a highly competitive compensation package which is dependent upon qualifications. The City's attractive benefits package includes the following:
Retirement – The City offers the CalPERS 2% at 62 formula for new CalPERS members.; OR 2% at 60 formula for existing CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency. Employees are responsible for paying the full Employee contribution through payroll deduction. Additional details on the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process. For further information about CalPERS, please contact CalPERS directly. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the mandatory Medicare Program.
Medical Insurance - The City contracts with CalPERS to offer medical insurance to employees and their eligible dependents. The City provides a monthly health benefit allowance to be used toward monthly health insurance premiums currently $566.49 Employee Only, $756.49 Employee + 1, $915.49 Employee + 2.
Wellness Program - All employees and their dependents are enrolled in a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
Annual Health/Wellness Reimbursement Program - All management employees are eligible to receive reimbursement up to $500/fiscal year, for health and/or wellness services or programs upon City Manager approval.
Dental Insurance - The City provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. The City pays 100% of the premium and has a reimbursement program (up to 30%) for crowns.
Vision Insurance - The City has a vision care reimbursement program (up to $300) per employee and their eligible dependents per fiscal year.
Life Insurance – The City contracts with The Standard Insurance Company to provide $100,000 in basic group term life insurance for employees with additional coverage for eligible dependents. Employees may purchase additional coverage by participating in AFLAC plans.
Disability Insurance – The City provides short and long term disability insurance coverage with the City paying 100% of the premium.
Flexible Spending Accounts – The City currently offers a flexible spending account plan through which employees may set aside pre-tax dollars for a wide variety of eligible non-reimbursable medical expenses for themselves or their eligible dependents and/or eligible dependent care expenses.
Additional Insurance Opportunities – The City contracts with AFLAC to provide additional health, dental, and life insurance coverage, as well as many other reimbursable plans. Employees may set up these accounts as pre-tax dollars.
Deferred Compensation Accounts – The City offers employees the option to defer pre-tax earnings through the ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; contributions are at the employee's discretion.
Retiree Health Benefits – The City contributes the minimum Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) contribution, currently $151 per month, toward retiree medical insurance for retirees who elect to continue their CalPERS medical coverage into retirement. The city does not offer retiree dental or vision coverage.
Holidays - Ten (10) paid fixed holidays and 36 hours of paid floating holiday time annually are provided. Employees are required to use either floating holiday time, vacation time, or compensatory time to facilitate a holiday closure between Christmas and New Years.
Vacation - Full-time employees entering service after July 1, 2011, earn 80 hours of annual vacation leave per year through year 5, with leave increasing to 184 hours by year 20. Existing City of La Palma employees promoting to a higher classification will receive vacation leave hours consistent with the first tier level stipulated in the current Salary Schedule and Comprehensive Listing of Personal Practices and Benefits for Management Employees.
Sick Leave - 96 hours per year and can accrue a total balance of 760 hours.
Administrative Leave - Management Employees are FLSA Exempt and therefore receive 80 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year subject to City Manager approval.
Bilingual Pay – The City offers employees the opportunity to test once per year for bilingual accuracy. After successfully passing an interactive test, the employee will receive $150/month. Testing is renewed biannually in order to continue receiving the stipend.
Work Hours - Full-time employees work a four day work week/10 hour work days; a 40 hour work week, Monday - Thursday.
01
Indicate your highest level of education obtained.
- High School Diploma
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- None of the above
02
In the space below, describe the areas in which your degree(s) were obtained (e.g. Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, etc.). If you do not possess a degree, enter "N/A".
03
List any specialized training, coursework, or certifications that you have received which would assist you in performing the job. If nothing, please write "N/A" to move on.
04
Please indicate what areas of Public Sector (Local/State Government) you have experience in. Check all that apply.
- Preparing Staff Reports
- Budget Preparation
- Policy Compliance
- Financial Analysis
- Contract Administration
- Information Technology
- Legislative Analysis
- Website/Social Media
- Public Information Officer
- None of the above
- Required Question
