Careers in Local Government

Local Government Education Week

What is the Local Government Management Profession?

Providing citizens with the services that they need on a day-to-day basis is a demanding undertaking, so many
communities hire a professional local government manager. Professional managers go by various titlessuch as city
manager, county administrator, town manager, and chief administrative officer. No matter what they are called, these
appointed officials have the same basic mandate: to deliver public services effectively and efficiently.

What Course of Study Will Best Prepare Me For This Career?

Today, aspiring managers come from a variety of academic backgrounds. Since the profession demands an analytical
and creative mind with strong writing and communication skills, undergraduate degrees in the humanities and social
sciences such as English, philosophy, history, economics, and political science provide an effective foundation.
The traditional bachelors degrees that may qualify you for some local government management positions are in
political science, public administration, or business. An advanced degree in these fields will increase your
competitiveness. Specifically, a masters degree in public administration is recommended but not required.
A typical career path begins with an entry-level position as an administrative assistant or budget or management
analyst in the managers office, the finance department, or a line department. Many local governments offer
internship programs that provide students or recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience.
With changing times and societies evolving in a global environment, the opportunities for a mid-level career change
to local government are promising. Private-sector professionals, as well as professionals with a management,
financial, and or analytical background in the not-for-profit sector, can switch smoothly to a career in local
government.
The typical hierarchy in the managers office is as follows:

City/County Manager (CAO);

Assistant/Deputy CAO;
Assistant to the CAO;
Administrative Assistant/Administrative Analyst;
Administrative Intern;

You do not have to advance through each step of the hierarchy not all these positions even exist in every local
government. Any position in local government that gives you experience working with the mayor and council and
helps you learn about the varied aspects of running a city or county is a stepping stone toward top positions.
Experience in public service at other levels of government or a military career may also provide the right skills and
experience for the local government management profession.
There are many other careers in local government that are well paying, have good benefits, and are very rewarding.
These include careers in many departments such as finance, planning, public works (water, sewer,and solid waste
disposal), parks and recreation, economic development, law enforcement, and emergency services.